Didier Zokora predicts Ivory Coast victory against Cameroon

Former Ivory Coast midfielder Didier Zokora expects the Elephants to edge past Cameroon when the two sides meet in Ebimpé on Saturday.

The match, scheduled for 19:00 GMT, brings together two of Africa’s established football nations in a fixture marked by a long standing rivalry.

Zokora believes the game will be closely contested but has backed Ivory Coast to finish the international window with a victory.

“I expect a close match ,” predicts the former midfielder, interviewed by 225foot .

Zokora acknowledged the quality within the Cameroon squad and warned Ivory Coast against underestimating their opponents.

“Cameroon has some very good players and we shouldn’t think it will be easy ,” warns Didier Zokora . “But Ivory Coast is on a good run, they’re playing at home and the players will want to finish this window on a high note. I see a victory for the Elephants, but by a narrow margin (2-1).”

The former international therefore expects Ivory Coast to make home advantage count, but does not anticipate a comfortable evening for the hosts.

Cameroon will arrive with players capable of making the contest difficult, according to Zokora, who believes the quality on both sides should make for a tight encounter.

For Ivory Coast, the match provides an opportunity to maintain their positive run and finish the current international window with another victory.

The Elephants will also have the backing of their home crowd in Ebimpé, a factor Zokora believes could contribute to the outcome.

Cameroon, however, will be looking to prevent Ivory Coast from controlling the contest and will provide a significant test for the hosts.

The latest meeting between the two nations ended without a winner. Ivory Coast and Cameroon drew 1 1 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

That result provides the immediate backdrop to Saturday’s encounter, with both sides meeting again in another highly anticipated contest.

Zokora’s prediction is for another closely fought match, but he believes Ivory Coast can secure the result at home.

The former midfielder has backed the Elephants to win 2 1, although he expects Cameroon to make the hosts work for the victory.

The two teams will meet in Ebimpé at 19:00 GMT on Saturday, with Ivory Coast seeking to end the international window on a positive note.