AFCON qualifier: Niger prepare to shock Cote d’Ivoire
Niger will face off with Ivory Coast in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualification Group K match on Friday.
The game is set to take place at the Stade Général Seyni Kountché in the Niger’s biggest city, Niamey.
The Menas succumbed to a 3-0 defeat to Ethiopia away in their previous Group K match which was played in November 2020.
As a result, Niger are placed fourth on the Group K standings – six points behind leaders, Ethiopia with two matches left.
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The Europe-based duo of Daniel Soungole and Ali Mohamed will be key for the Menas as they look to qualify for the finals.
Meanwhile, Ivory Coast were held to a 1-1 draw by Madagascar away in their previous Group K match which was played in November 2020.
Therefore, the Elephants are placed second on the Group K standings – two points behind leaders, Ethiopia.
The former African champions will look to England-based attackers Nicholas Pepe and Wilfried Zaha when they face the Menas.
The last meeting between Niger and Ivory Coast was in November 2019.
The Elephants secured a narrow 1-0 win over the Menas in a Group K match in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.