Big Game Focus: Ivory Coast v Uganda

The White Elephants of Ivory Coast will play an international friendly against Uganda Cranes ahead of the AFCON 2019 in Egypt. Bet on the match here.

The Ivory Coast come into the match full of confidence as they are unbeaten in their last five outings. As a matter of fact, they have won three whilst the other two have ended in draws. They are a very experienced side with a number of world class players within their ranks and that should count for something.

The Ugandans have done well to reach the AFCON for the second consecutive time although their recent record might suggest otherwise. They have won once from their last five outings whilst losing three, two of which were as a result of a penalty shootout. This will be a good opportunity to test themselves against one of the best teams in the continent.

Betting preview

Ivory Coast are the clear favourites owing to a superior squad, recent record and a strong history. The fact that they have not lost in any of their last five outings makes odds of 1.65 for a home win looks good here.

Ivory Coast have seen Under 2.5 Goals land in three of their last five fixtures and the same is true in all but one of Uganda’s five outings. With Uganda’s defensive astuteness we can expect another low scoring affair and Under 2.5 Goals promises value at odds of1.50.

Interestingly, Both Teams To Score No has been witnessed in four of Uganda’s last five outings whilst the same is true in three of the last five games Ivory Coast have been involved in. There is good value in backing Both Teams to Score No at odds of 1.55

Team news

Uganda midfielder Moses Waiswa has been ruled out of the squad following the recurrence of a nagging knee injury. In his absence Allan Kateregga, Abdu Lumala, Faruk Miya, Khalid Aucho, Tadeo Lwanga, Ibrahim Sadam and Michael Azira will contest the few available slots in midfield.

Ivory Coast have no major injury concerns with Eric Bailly the only notable name who will miss out. Uncapped defender Souleymane Doumbia, who plays for Rennes and was only added to the provisional list a few days ago, has also made the final squad.

Possible line-ups

Ivory Coast: Sangare, Aurier, Doumbia, Kanon, Gbamin, Angban, Bagayoko, Sangare, Zaha, Bony, Cornet.

Uganda: Onyango, Wadada, Walusimbi, Awanyi, Iguma, Lwanga, Aucho, Okwi, Nsimbambi, Miya, Kyambadde,