Ivory Coast begins AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Zambia
Ivory Coast, the reigning African champions, will kick off their AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign with a highly anticipated match against Zambia this Friday. The clash, taking place at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké, marks the first day of the qualifiers for Group G and promises to be a significant test for both sides.
As the hosts, Ivory Coast enters the match with the weight of expectations on their shoulders.
The Elephants, who are known for their formidable presence in African football, will be eager to assert their dominance early in the qualifiers.
However, they face the challenge of playing without two key players—Ibrahim and Seko Fofana—who have not been included in the squad for this match.
Despite these absences, the Ivorian squad remains strong, and fans are keen to see how the team performs in their absence.
The match will be a litmus test for the reigning champions, offering a glimpse into their current form and how they might fare in the rest of the qualifying campaign.
Zambia, on the other hand, will be looking to make a statement by upsetting the African giants on their home turf.
Known for their resilience and fighting spirit, the Zambian team is expected to put up a tough fight as they seek to secure a positive result in their opening match.
For those who won’t be in the stands at the Stade de la Paix, the match will be widely accessible through multiple broadcast options.
Ivorian public television RTI will air the game live, providing local fans with the opportunity to follow every moment.
Additionally, the match will be available on Canal+ Sport channels, catering to a broader audience across the continent.
For international viewers, beIN Sport 3 will also broadcast the game live, ensuring that fans from all over the world can tune in.
Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM GMT, and with so much at stake in this opening fixture, both teams will be eager to start their campaigns on a positive note.
As the reigning champions, Ivory Coast will aim to set the tone for their qualification journey, while Zambia will look to challenge the status quo and prove they can compete with the best.
This match is not just a battle for three points but also a crucial opportunity for both teams to gauge their readiness for the road ahead in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
Fans can expect an intense and closely contested encounter as these two African football powerhouses clash in Bouaké.
