The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers are set to draw to a close for Ivory Coast and Chad as they face off at the iconic Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny. This final encounter on Tuesday marks the conclusion of the Group G journey for these two teams, whose campaigns could not have been more different. Ivory Coast, aiming to cement their position as group winners, will look to regain their dominant form. Meanwhile, Chad’s struggle for form continues, with the team still searching for a win in this phase.
For Ivory Coast, the qualifying rounds began on a high note, reflecting their status as one of Africa’s footballing powerhouses. However, their recent performances have seen some hiccups. On the contrary, Chad’s campaign has been one of challenges and unfulfilled potential, leaving them languishing at the bottom of the group.
Ivory Coast's run in the AFCON qualifiers began with promise, fueled by three consecutive victories. They started their journey with a commanding 3-1 win over Zambia, followed by a convincing 2-0 triumph against Chad, and then a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sierra Leone. These wins demonstrated their attacking prowess and defensive resilience, positioning them as early favorites to top Group G.
However, the Elephants' fortunes took a turn during their rematch against Sierra Leone on October 15. In an unexpected twist, they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat. This result dented their perfect record and exposed vulnerabilities within their ranks. Adding to their woes, Ivory Coast faltered again in their most recent match, a top-of-the-table clash against Zambia. Played at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, the Elephants succumbed to a 1-0 loss. Kennedy Musonda’s strike on the brink of halftime proved decisive as Zambia showcased a masterclass in defensive football to claim all three points.
Despite these setbacks, Ivory Coast had already secured their place in next year’s AFCON tournament in Morocco. They currently sit second in Group G with nine points from five games, four points clear of third-placed Sierra Leone. This ensures their qualification irrespective of Tuesday’s outcome. However, as they prepare to wrap up their group-stage journey, coach Emerse Faé will be keen to see his side return to winning ways and restore confidence ahead of the continental showpiece.
One of the key strengths of Ivory Coast has been their formidable record on home soil. The Elephants have triumphed in their last seven home matches across all competitions, a streak that dates back to their successful hosting of the 2023 AFCON. That tournament was a historic moment for Ivory Coast as they clinched the title, defeating Nigeria 2-1 in a gripping final.
This home dominance will undoubtedly be a source of encouragement as they prepare to welcome Chad. With the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny expected to be buzzing with support, Ivory Coast will aim to deliver a performance that matches the expectations of their passionate fans.
For Chad, the 2025 AFCON qualifiers have been a story of unrelenting struggles. The team, known as Les Sao, has endured a campaign marred by missed opportunities, lackluster performances, and a glaring inability to convert chances into victories. Five games into the qualifiers, Chad remains winless, having managed just three points from a possible 15. They’ve drawn three matches and suffered two defeats, scoring only one goal while conceding four.
Their most recent outing, a 1-1 draw against Sierra Leone, epitomized their struggles. Played at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpe Olympic Stadium, Chad fell behind early when Abu Dumbuya struck for Sierra Leone in the 29th minute. However, Mahamat Thiam converted a penalty five minutes later to restore parity, marking Chad’s first and only goal of the qualifiers. Despite showing glimpses of resilience, the match ultimately highlighted the team’s inability to maintain a consistent level of performance.
The draw against Sierra Leone extended Chad’s winless streak across all competitions to seven matches. During this dismal run, they’ve managed three draws and suffered four defeats. This includes back-to-back losses against the Central African Republic and Comoros in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June. The ongoing slump has further dampened the morale of a team that continues to search for its first-ever AFCON appearance.
Chad’s struggles are not limited to the AFCON qualifiers. In the World Cup qualifiers, they find themselves in a similarly precarious position, rooted to the bottom of Group I after losing all four of their games. These dual campaigns underscore the broader challenges facing Chad’s footballing setup, from tactical shortcomings to limited resources and a lack of competitive edge at the highest level.
For Ivory Coast, the encounter against Chad offers an opportunity to finish their qualifying campaign on a high note. With their spot in Morocco already secured, the Elephants will aim to iron out the flaws that have crept into their game in recent matches. Emerse Faé will likely use this match as a chance to fine-tune his squad, experiment with tactics, and boost the confidence of his players.
On the other hand, Chad will approach this match with a different perspective. While their hopes of qualifying for AFCON are long gone, the team will view this as a chance to salvage some pride and end their campaign on a positive note. For Kevin Nicaise and his players, a competitive showing against a strong side like Ivory Coast could serve as a stepping stone for future competitions.
The Elephants are expected to adopt an attacking approach, leveraging their superior firepower and home advantage. With players like Adingra and Haller in their ranks, Ivory Coast will likely prioritize quick transitions, width in attack, and high pressing to unsettle Chad’s defense.
Chad, on the other hand, may opt for a more cautious strategy. Given their struggles in front of goal, Nicaise’s side is likely to focus on defensive organization and counter-attacking opportunities. The midfield battle will be crucial, as Chad will aim to disrupt Ivory Coast’s rhythm and exploit any gaps on the break.
Ivory Coast and Chad have faced each other on several occasions, with the Elephants boasting a superior head-to-head record. In their previous meeting during this qualifying campaign, Ivory Coast secured a comfortable 2-0 victory. This result reflects the gap in quality between the two sides, which Chad will aim to narrow as they seek an unlikely upset.
Given the contrasting form and quality of the two teams, Ivory Coast enters Tuesday’s match as overwhelming favorites. Their home record, coupled with Chad’s struggles, points to a likely victory for the Elephants. However, football’s unpredictability ensures that Chad cannot be entirely written off. An inspired performance from the visitors could make for an intriguing contest.
As Ivory Coast and Chad prepare to close the curtain on their AFCON 2025 qualifying campaigns, the match represents more than just a formality. For Ivory Coast, it’s a chance to reaffirm their status as one of Africa’s elite teams and build momentum ahead of the tournament in Morocco. For Chad, it’s an opportunity to restore some pride and show progress despite a challenging campaign.
The Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny will be the stage for this intriguing clash, where both teams will have their own motivations to deliver a memorable performance. Whether it’s Ivory Coast’s quest to finish as group winners or Chad’s determination to defy expectations, Tuesday’s match promises to be an engaging spectacle in the world of African football.