Cote d’Ivoire face Cameroon in high-profile test to round off international break

Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon meet at Stade Alassane Ouattara on Saturday evening in an international friendly that will provide a stern test for both sides after their encouraging starts to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The Elephants have taken six points from their opening two matches, while Cameroon have collected four. Both teams will therefore be looking to end the September/October international window positively.

Herve Renard has made an immediate impact since returning for a second spell in charge of Cote d’Ivoire. Tuesday’s 2-0 victory over Somalia at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny, secured by late goals from Yann Gboho and Bazoumana Toure, extended his perfect start.

As he did at the beginning of his successful first spell in 2014, Renard has won his first two matches in normal time. He is the only Cote d’Ivoire manager to have achieved that in the past 16 years, since Francois Zahoui in 2010.

Renard’s side have also been highly effective defensively. They have kept two clean sheets and allowed only three shots on target across 180 minutes, making them one of six teams yet to concede in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Although Saturday’s fixture is not competitive, it is widely viewed as Renard’s toughest test since taking charge again. Cote d’Ivoire have lost only one of their past six meetings with Cameroon, while the latest ended 1-1 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. That draw saw both nations drop their only points in the group stage.

Cameroon are also beginning a new chapter under David Pagou, who oversaw only his ninth match as manager in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw against Republic of the Congo at Stade Alphonse Massamba-Debat. Despite long spells of control, the Indomitable Lions could not build on their opening win against Comoros and remain top of their qualifying group, one point ahead of Namibia.

Pagou is combining his international role with his position at Coton Sport de Garoua, but has impressed during his short tenure. A win over Cote d’Ivoire, something Cameroon have managed only once since November 2014, would provide a significant boost.

The visitors must improve their starts, having conceded first in four of their past five games against Cote d’Ivoire. The Elephants have opened the scoring in five of their last six matches.

Bazoumana Toure and Yann Gboho, who scored after coming off the bench against Somalia, could start. It would be Gboho’s first appearance in Cote d’Ivoire’s starting XI. Franck Kessie, on 107 caps, is three short of matching Max Gradel’s total as the third-most capped Ivorian.

Blondy Noukeu is expected to start in Andre Onana’s absence, although Emile Lako and Simon Ngapandouetnbu are alternatives. Ivan Cedric and Harouna Djibirin are Cameroon’s only current outfield players yet to debut. Bryan Mbeumo, who has scored eight goals in 34 internationals, is expected to lead the attack.

Probable teams

Cote d’Ivoire: Lafont; Konan, Ndicka, Agbadou, Zogbe; Sangare, Oulai; Pepe, Yalcouye, Diomande; Wahi.

Cameroon: Noukeu; Tchamba, Kotto, Keller; Njoh, Fosso, Nyngue, Ebong, Tchamadeu; Namaso, Mbeumo.

Five of the last six meetings have produced fewer than three goals, but the forecast is for a more open contest, with Cote d’Ivoire tipped to win 2-1. The listed predictions are a Cote d’Ivoire win at 1.88, more than 2.5 goals at 2.58, and both teams to score at 2.20; the exact-score 2-1 selection is priced at 8.50 on Betclic.

Cote d’Ivoire’s recent friendly form is V D V V V V, while their overall form is V D V D V V. Cameroon’s corresponding records are D N V D V N and V D D V V N.