Lesotho vs Ivory Coast predictions, previews, team news and more | 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying

2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers continue this week and Lesotho will face Ivory Coast at Dobsonville Stadium in South Africa on Thursday.

Lesotho started their qualifying campaign on the wrong foot, losing 2-0 to the Comoros in their opening group game on Friday. They failed to create any important game-changing chances and will be looking to put in a much better performance this week.

The Crocodiles will now look to shake off their recent results and pick up their first win of the week as they push for their first African Cup of Nations appearance.

Meanwhile, Ivory Coast earned a 3-1 win over Zambia in their opening game. The Elephants dominated in the first 45 minutes but only started scoring in the second half, taking a three-goal lead before Leicester City’s Patson Daka scored a late consolation for the Zambian side.

Ivory Coast sit top of the group table with maximum points and will be looking to make it two wins from two when they play on Thursday.

Head-to-Head Lesotho vs Ivory Coast

Thursday’s match will mark the first meeting between Lesotho and Ivory Coast. Both sides will now be looking to take maximum points and start their qualifiers on a winning note.

Lesotho Form Guide (All Competitions): LDDLL

Ivory Coast Form Guide (All Competitions): WLLW

Team News Lesotho vs Ivory Coast

Lesotho

Katleho Makateng is just recovering from a concussion he suffered last week. He had returned to training, but he couldn’t possibly take any chances here.

Wounded: There isn’t any

Doubtful: Katleho Makateng

Depends: There isn’t any

Ivory Coast

Maxwell Cornet, Nicolas Pepe, Odilon Kossounou and Eric Bailly of Manchester United all missed the visitors’ opening game due to fitness issues and they remain doubts for this clash.

Watford defender Hassane Kamara is also sidelined for personal reasons but is expected to be available for Thursday’s game.

Wounded: There isn’t any

Doubtful: Maxwell Cornet, Nicolas Pepe, Odilon Kossounou, Eric Bailly

Depends: There isn’t any

Lesotho vs Ivory Coast Prediction XI

Lesotho Prediction XI (4-4-1-1): Sekhoane Moerane; Motlomelo Mkwanazi, Kopano Tseka, Basia Makepa, Thabang Malane; Rethabile Rasethuntsa, Lisema Lebokollane, Thabo Mafatle, Lehlohonolo Lenka; Tsorelo Bereng; Nkoto Masoabi

Ivory Coast Prediction XI (4-4-2): Badra Sangare; Serge Aurier, Willy Boly, Simon Deli, Ghislain Konan; Max Gradel, Ibrahim Sangare, Jean-Michel Seri, Jeremie Boga; Christian Kouame, Sebastien Haller

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Lesotho vs Ivory Coast Prediction

Lesotho are on a five-game winless streak and have won just one of their last 16, a record since 2019.

Ivory Coast ended a three-game losing streak with a dominant display last time out. They sit 92 places above their midweek hosts in the FIFA rankings and should easily win this one.

Prediction: Lesotho 1-3 Ivory Coast