Malawi vs Ivory Coast Preview & Tips - Ivorians backed for away victory

Ivory Coast hold a 2-0 advantage over Malawi across their three previous meetings with one draw.

These sides last met in 2010 where Ivory Coast won 2-0.

Malawi qualified for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations after winning their final two matches. Two successive 1-0 victories got them there in South Sudan and at home to Uganda. 

Malawi then played in the 2021 COSAFA Cup with an under-strength team. They did not make it past the group stages after drawing two and losing two of their four fixtures.

The Cranes suffered a 2-0 defeat in their opening World Cup qualification match in Cameroon. Since that defeat they have beaten Mozambique 1-0 at home with Richard Mbulu finding the back of the net. 

Coach Meck Mwase has made two changes to his squad from the last FIFA break. Winger Duncan Nyoni and defender Nickson Mwase have replaced Chimwemwe Idana and Nixon Nyasulu.

Orlando Pirates striker Gabadinho Mhango is expected to start at his home ground.

Goalkeepers: Brighton Munthali, Richard Chipuwa, Ernest Kakhobwe

Defenders: Stanley Sanudi, Peter Cholopi, Limbikani Mzava, Dennis Chembezi, Charles Petro, Kieran Ngwenya, Gomezgani Chirwa, Nickson Mwase

Midfielders: Chikoti Chirwa, Peter Banda, Micium Mhone, John Banda, Yamikani Chester, Gerald Phiri Jnr, Tawonga Chimodzi, Mike Mkwate, Francisco Madinga, Duncan Nyoni

Forwards: Vincent Nyangulu, Richard Mbulu, Gabadinho Mhango, Khuda Muyaba

Ivory Coast easily reached the 2022 AFCON tournament after topping their group. Their final two qualifying matches ended in a 3-0 win in Niger and a 3-1 home success against Ethiopia. 

A 2-1 home win in a friendly against Burkina Faso followed before a goalless draw in Ghana. Ivory Coast took a point in their opening 2022 World Cup qualifier with a 0-0 draw in Mozambique.

Last time out the Elephants produced a strong performance to beat Cameroon 2-1 at home. Sebastien Haller scored twice in the first 29 minutes to open up a 2-0 lead.

Coach Patrice Beaumelle has recalled wingers Nicolas Pepe and Wilfried Zaha for this match. Forward Gervinho is available again after injury.

Top midfielder Frank Kessie is back after an injury ruled him out of the last two fixtures.

Goalkeepers: Sylvain Gbohouo, Sangaré Badra Ali, Cisse Karim

Defenders: Willy Boly, Serge Aurier, Éric Bailly, Sinaly Diomande, Hassane Kamara, Wilfried Singo, Emmanuel Agbadou, Maxwel Cornet, Odilon Kossonou, Ghislain Konan

Midfielders: Serey Die Geoffroy, Franck Kessie, Seri Jean-Michaël, Digbo Habib Maiga, Akpa Akpro Jean-Daniel, Serge Aka, Ibrahim Sangaré, Jérémie Boga, Traoré Hamed Junior

Forwards: Jean-Evrard Kouassi, Sébastien Haller, Gervinho, Wilfried Zaha, Nicolas Pépé, Max Gradel, Christian Kouame