Ivory Coast schedule Saudi Arabia and Oman friendlies before 2025 AFCON in Morocco

Ivory Coast will play two crucial friendly matches in November as part of their final preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

After confirming qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the Elephants have now turned their full attention to defending their AFCON title from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

Coach Emerse Faé wants his team to use the November FIFA international window to fine-tune tactics and evaluate players before the continental competition begins.

The Elephants will focus on improving cohesion and strategy while assessing individual performances during these final tests.

The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) is finalizing plans to arrange two friendly fixtures against Saudi Arabia and Oman.

These matches will offer Ivory Coast valuable opportunities to gauge their readiness and address any weaknesses before the tournament.

The first match is expected to take place on Friday, November 14, in Jeddah, against Saudi Arabia, managed by Hervé Renard.

Renard, who led Ivory Coast to the 2015 AFCON title, will face his former side for the first time since leaving the role.

His team’s strong structure and intensity will provide Faé’s men with a solid test.

Four days later, on Tuesday, November 18, the Elephants are scheduled to face Oman in Muscat.

Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz leads the Omani side, which is known for its disciplined defensive setup and counter-attacking play.

The encounter will mark the first official meeting between the two nations.

These matches will serve as the final benchmark for Faé and his coaching staff before naming their AFCON squad.

The FIF plans to confirm both fixtures soon, followed by the release of the squad list.

Fans eagerly await the announcement, hoping to see key players return and emerging talents given a chance to shine.

The upcoming games will not only test Ivory Coast’s tactical readiness but also strengthen team unity ahead of their AFCON title defense in Morocco.

With confidence high and preparation nearly complete, the Elephants aim to enter the tournament in peak form.