mong those still trying to book a place at Russia 2018 are the Ivory Coast and Morocco. These two are now down to the last chance saloon as they face off in their final group stage match in the CAF zone. This should be an epic battle, albeit more of a war of attrition than anything, as this will decide which of them get to head to European shores next year. The Ivory Coast are in a must-win scenario, while the defensively solid Morocco just needs to find a point. It’s going to be tense stuff with so much at stake.
World Cup Qualification – Le Félicia, Abidjan – Saturday, 11. November – 17:30 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 11/5 at Ladbrokes |
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Ivory Coast
MoroccoIvory Coast Form
The Ivory Coast have only gone W2 D1 L3 in their last six games in all competitions. In their last three World Cup qualifiers, they have gone W1 D1 L1 and the loss in that sequence was a hammer blow of a home defeat against Gabon. It was a huge upset as well because the Ivory Coast had won 3-0 in Gabon earlier in the campaign. In only managing a draw against bottom side Mali to follow up, they are in this situation where they have to win. They have won only three of their last twelve games, competitive and friendly.
Morocco Form
Morocco have yet to concede in their qualification group. From their five games, they have scored nine and not conceded any. But that’s not a clear picture. They scored six of those goals in a big home win over Mali, the other three in a home win over Gabon. The three other games they have played have all ended in a 0-0 draw in the group. They would be happy enough with that this time around. They are only a point ahead of the Ivory Coast in the standings but have a better goal difference so only need to avoid defeat.
Head to Head News
Things are even between the two of them in the last five meetings with one win each and three drawn games. Four of the last five have all been under 2.5 goals, while each of the last three have been under 1.5 goals. The two met at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier in the year and Morocco took a 1-0 win which followed up their 0-0 draw with the Ivory Coast at home in the World Cup qualifier.
Top Betting Tips
This game is likely going to be devoid of goals. Things just have not happened for the Elephants and even at home, it is hard to see them winning this. Morocco clearly knows how to defend and they will go and try to contain and scrap their way to a precious point to send them to the World Cup. The Ivory Coast, while having nothing to lose, may not have enough to win. Draw. Under 1.5 goals. 0-0 correct score. It all has appeal.