Ivory Coast set for double Cape Verde test before Women’s Africa Cup of Nations

Preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations continue for Ivory Coast, who have confirmed two friendly matches against Cape Verde as part of their build-up to the continental tournament.

The two sides will meet on Friday 5 June and again on Monday 8 June, with both fixtures scheduled to take place at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan. Kick-off for each match is set for 7pm GMT.

The double-header will provide an important opportunity for the Ivory Coast women’s national team to assess their readiness ahead of the start of the tournament. The first encounter will take place on 5 June, before the return fixture follows three days later on 8 June.

Both matches form part of the team’s structured preparation plan as they look to fine-tune performance levels before the competition begins on 25 June.

The fixtures are expected to offer head coach Mathieu Esposito a valuable chance to evaluate the squad in a competitive setting against international opposition.

With the tournament fast approaching, the matches are seen as a key step in ensuring the squad is fully prepared for the challenges of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which remains one of the continent’s most significant competitions in women’s football.

The upcoming games in Abidjan will therefore serve as both a tactical and physical test, allowing the coaching staff to assess combinations, fitness levels, and overall team cohesion ahead of the continental showpiece.

As the countdown continues, Ivory Coast will be hoping the two friendlies provide the ideal platform to sharpen their preparations before the tournament gets underway later in June.