Prediction Côte d'Ivoire vs Kenya 2026 – Betting Tips for the CAF World Cup Qualifiers on 14/10/2025

A heavyweight test in Bouaké: Côte d'Ivoire hold the cards

Côte d'Ivoire arrive in Bouaké carrying the unmistakable momentum of a side that has dominated this qualifying group. Sitting top with 23 points from nine matches, Les Éléphants have not only won seven games and drawn two but have done so while keeping an extraordinary set of clean sheets — nine in the campaign and zero goals conceded across the group. Their offensive numbers are healthy as well, 22 goals scored, but the story that leaps off the page is the defensive iron curtain that has shut down every opponent at home. The recent 7-0 demolition of Seychelles underlines their capacity to turn fixtures into routs, while a string of 1-0 results also shows a team capable of grinding out wins when required.

Kenya arrive with belief but weaknesses exposed

Kenya travel to Stade de Bouaké with a mixed but spirited profile. The Harambee Stars sit third in the group with 12 points from nine matches, producing moments of sharp attacking intent — 18 goals in the campaign — and a recent win away in Burundi to keep their hopes alive. Their form line reads as competitive: six wins, two draws and two losses in the latest snapshot. Yet the defensive metrics are a concern: 11 goals conceded across the group and only four clean sheets show they can be breached, particularly against a side as efficient at creating and finishing chances as Côte d'Ivoire. Their away performances have delivered goals, but consistency at the back is the issue that will likely be exposed in Bouaké.

What to expect on match night

Played at Stade de Bouaké (Stade de la Paix), capacity 35,000, this contest should be played before a partisan crowd and under conditions that favour the home side. The lone previous recent meeting between these teams ended goalless, which suggests Kenya can be difficult opponents; however, current form and the statistics favour an Ivorian win. Côte d'Ivoire’s home record of conceding zero and recording nine clean sheets in the group stage is a glaring advantage. Kenya’s ability to score counters and break down softer defences gives them hope, but Bouaké is unlikely to be a forgiving venue for mistakes.

Final read

The narrative is straightforward: a defensively impeccable and clinically efficient Côte d'Ivoire at home against a Kenya side that can score but has shown vulnerability at the back. Expect home control, tactical discipline and a result that keeps the leaders marching toward qualification.

Betting suggestion: 1X2 market — back Côte d'Ivoire to win. The home side’s unbeaten, unbreached group record and Bouaké advantage make them the clearest and most logical pick.