Ivory Coast will face Canada in the early hours of Wednesday at 00:30 GMT as they seek to rebound from a disappointing start to their Canadian Shield campaign.
The Elephants, under head coach Emerse Faé, are determined to close out the tournament on a positive note after falling to New Zealand in their opening match.
The defeat to the All Whites last Saturday left the Ivorian camp frustrated, with the performance falling short of expectations. The loss has only intensified the team’s hunger to put things right in their final outing.
With national pride on the line and the desire to avoid finishing winless, the Elephants are preparing to approach this fixture with focus and urgency.
Coach Faé has made it clear that securing a win is non-negotiable. His squad has spent the days following their opening defeat working on tactical adjustments and boosting morale, determined not to let the setback define their trip.
The emphasis has been on sharpening execution in both attack and defence—areas where lapses proved costly against New Zealand.
The fixture presents more than just a chance at redemption—it offers Ivory Coast an opportunity to prove their resilience in the face of adversity.
Players will be looking to restore their confidence, and for many, the match also represents a final opportunity to leave a mark before returning to club duty.
The coaching staff is expected to stick with a core group of experienced names while possibly rotating select positions to inject freshness.
Canada, meanwhile, enter the match with confidence after a well-earned victory over Ukraine.
Their sights are firmly set on claiming the Canadian Shield title, and another win would solidify their place at the top of the standings.
Backed by home support and buoyed by momentum, the Canadians pose a formidable challenge.
The contest, therefore, is set against a backdrop of contrasting objectives. For Canada, it’s about maintaining dominance and securing the trophy.
For Ivory Coast, it’s about salvaging pride and responding with conviction after an uncharacteristic slip-up.
Though not part of a major tournament, the Canadian Shield has taken on competitive significance for all participating teams.
It has offered valuable international minutes and a chance to test squad depth.
For Ivory Coast, the stakes are elevated by their own internal standards and a desire to maintain a winning culture under Faé’s leadership.
Both teams are expected to name strong starting line-ups, and the match could deliver a fiercely contested 90 minutes.
The Elephants will need to be disciplined and efficient if they are to disrupt Canada’s rhythm and prevent a second straight defeat.
Kick-off is set for 00:30 GMT, with fans able to follow the action through official broadcast partners and social media channels.
As the curtain falls on their participation in the tournament, all eyes will be on whether Ivory Coast can rise to the occasion and end on a high.
