Sports Innovation previews the World Cup qualifier between Malawi and Ivory Coast and offers team stats, betting tips and the latest odds.
Home advantage is on Malawi’s side ahead of a World Cup qualifier against Ivory Coast on Friday.
Malawi enter the third fixture of Group D with 3 points from 2 games, having beaten Mozambique 1-0 last time out. The Flames sit just a point behind table-toppers Ivory Coast. The outcome of this match, therefore, could put a serious dampener on either of these teams’ World Cup hopes.
Our tip
Facts and figures for Malawi vs Ivory Coast
- Malawi has won the last 3 matches in a row at home;
- Malawi unbeaten the last 8 matches in a row at home;
- Total goals was UNDER 3.5 in Malawi’s last 13 of 15 matches;
- Total goals was UNDER 3.5 in Malawi’s last 7 matches in the row.
- Ivory Coast unbeaten the last 5 matches in a row when playing away;
- Total goals was UNDER 3.5 in Ivory Coast’s last 3 of 5 matches;
- Ivory Coast have not conceded the last 5 matches in a row when playing away.
Form Malawi vs Ivory Coast
The Flames hope to boost points tally.
It is difficult to point a finger at recent results for Malawi as they have performed according to their level. In their last 3 matches, Meke Mwase’s side beat lost 2-1 to Senegal before suffering another defeat at the hands of Cameroon by a 2-0 scoreline. They beat Mozambique 1-0 last time out.
The Elephants can build on recent win
In their last 3 matches, Patrice Beaumelle’s side drew 0-0 with Ghana before settling for another 0-0 stalemate against Mozambique. They took out Cameroon by a 2-1 scoreline last time out.
Malawi v Ivory Coast – Fixture history
The last time Malawi played Ivory Coast, the game finished with a 1-1 scoreline.
The bookmakers have the two sides more or less evenly matched in the betting market. Betting on Malawi will pay out at 9.00, as bookies predict the hosts are in with an 11% chance of claiming victory on home soil. If you wish to bet the draw, there are odds at 4.00 on offer, while an away win for Ivory Coast pays out at 1.33.
Malawi are able to put a winning total of 0% on display for their last 2 encounters against Ivory Coast in the World Cup. The resulting total reads 0-1-1, with the latter winning 50%.
Man of the Moment
The standings of the top-scoring players in the last 6 matches show that Malawi might be relying on Richard Mbulu when it comes to scoring in the upcoming match. On the other side, Sebastien Haller is one of the decisive players from the Ivory Coast. Both players are expected to be dangerous and difficult for defenses to stop this coming Friday.