4
2
Match - Sat 8 September, 19:00,
| Goals | Goals |
|---|
Cote d’Ivoire face Senegal in Nations Cup qualifier
Senegal's Magaye Gueye
The two sides were the form teams on the continent in 2012 although since Senegal’s star has dipped dramatically and while the Ivorians might still be top ranked they are now seen as coming to the end of a golden generation.
Senegal qualified in the most formidable fashion for the 2012 finals in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon but then bombed at the tournament, losing all three group games.
Since new coach Joseph Koto has overhauled the team and added in a youthful element, although Moussa Sow of Fenerbahce, Issiar Dia and Demba Ba have been recalled for the game in the Ivorian capital.
The home side are little changed from the team beaten by Zambia in last February’s; Nations Cup finals, although former France international Sabri Lamouchi is now in charge.
But injury has ruled out Guy Demel, hurt in action for West Ham at the weekend. There is also doubt over the availability of Cheikh Tiote, who could miss a match-up with his Newcastle United teammates Ba and Papiss Demba Cisse.
Didier Drogba has travelled from China for the match but spent the last week in London visiting his family.
{message}