Ivory Coast - Gabon predictions and free betting tips [07/06/2024]

On Friday, 7 June, in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifying tournament, Côte d'Ivoire will host Gabon. Both teams have garnered six points in their previous two matches and are motivated to finish first in the group to secure a direct spot for the World Cup.

Stadium

The match will take place in Korhogo at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium.

Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire kicked off their World Cup qualifying campaign in style, thrashing Seychelles (9:0) and then comfortably defeating Gambia (0:2) to top Group F. Earlier this year, the 'Elephants' won the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil, though it wasn't an easy journey: they overcame Senegal, Mali (1:2), Democratic Republic of Congo (1:0), and finally Nigeria in the final (1:2).

During the tournament, a managerial change saw Emerson Fé take the helm from Jean-Louis Gasset after a disappointing group stage performance, and the new coach remains unbeaten in the last six matches. In March, Côte d'Ivoire drew 2-2 with Benin in a friendly and soon after defeated Uruguay (2:1), with Doué's strike and an own goal by Oliveira cancelling out Viñas' effort. It is worth noting that the hosts have lost just once in their last 11 home matches across all competitions. 

Gabon

In contrast to their upcoming opponents, who won the Africa Cup of Nations in February, Gabon did not even qualify for the tournament. Nonetheless, the 'Panthers' had a promising start in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, defeating Kenya (2:1) and Burundi (1:2) last November. Since then, they have only played two friendlies, suffering a heavy defeat to Senegal (3:0) before recovering to draw 1:1 with Congo.

Meïe put Gabon ahead in the first half, but Makuta equalized in the 74th minute. Importantly, Gabon has struggled on the road, winning just once in their last five away outings. Furthermore, they have conceded in all of their last eight matches. Gabon will rely heavily on their star player Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (30 goals). 

Head-to-Head

The last time these teams met was in the 2017 World Cup qualifiers, where Gabon emerged victorious with a 1:2 away win.

Match Prediction: Côte d'Ivoire vs Gabon

This match will be crucial for both teams in the group standings, and they will be looking to give their all. However, Côte d'Ivoire holds the advantage of home support and a stronger squad. Confidently backing the hosts to win with a -1.5 handicap.

Total Goals Prediction

Given Gabon's defensive frailties, having conceded in all of their last four meetings with Côte d'Ivoire, I'm betting on the Ivorian individual total over 2 goals.

Corners Prediction

With home support driving them forward, Côte d'Ivoire are expected to attack more aggressively. Back the hosts to win the corners with a -3.5 handicap.

Yellow Cards Prediction

As the match holds immense significance for both teams, expect a hard-fought encounter. Betting on the total yellow cards to be over 3.5.

Score Prediction

Predicting a final score of 3:1 in favour of Côte d'Ivoire.