Somalia v Ivory Coast: AFCON 2027 qualifier at Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium on Sept 29

Somalia meet Ivory Coast at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium on September 29 in their second AFCON 2027 qualifying match, with the Elephants visiting after a positive start to the campaign. Ivory Coast arrive having beaten Ghana 2-0, while Somalia seek a response to a 1-2 opening defeat to Gambia.

Somalia began their qualifiers with a 1-2 loss to Gambia after conceding in the final moments, and Yusuf Ali Nur’s side were short on attacking threat in that match. The 28-year-old will be looking to step up his game; he was the sole goal scorer for his side in that game, and Bilal Njie will once again lead the attack for Somalia.

Ivory Coast arrive under coach Hervé Renard after what the preview described as eye-catching performances at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and a 2-0 victory over Ghana to open their AFCON qualifying campaign. Franck Kessié, the 29-year-old midfielder, converted a crucial spot-kick and provided an assist in that win, and the Renard-led side travel with boosted confidence.

The preview states that all of the selected squad members for both Somalia and Ivory Coast are fit to be in action, and published the available selections as follows: "Hussein (GK); Gigli, Omar, Othman; Abdulle, Abdulsamed, Sharif, Mohamed; Sabriye, Njie, Hassan Fofana (GK); Zogbe, Ousmane Diomande, N’Dicka, Konan; Sangare, Kessie; Pepe, Yalcouye, Yan Diomande; Bonny".

Somalia will seek to use home advantage but are under pressure given their current form, while Ivory Coast are expected to press their advantage as visitors. The preview’s prediction is Somalia 0-2 Ivory Coast, and broadcast arrangements listed for the match include Canal+ and Sport 1 Afrique in Nigeria and beIN SPORTS en Español, fuboTV, and beIN SPORTS CONNECT in the USA.

The fixture is scheduled for September 29 at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium and fans will be able to view the match live via RTI; additional coverage and updates are available from Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, the Khel Now Android and iOS apps, and the Khel Now WhatsApp and Telegram communities.