Ivory Coast will look to strengthen their position in Group B of the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations when they face Democratic Republic of the Congo on Saturday in Morocco.
The encounter, scheduled for 19:00 GMT at the Mohammed VI Football Academy, represents an important test for both sides as the race for qualification to the knockout stage intensifies.
Ivory Coast arrive at the match with confidence after beginning their campaign with victory over Cameroon, a result that placed the Young Elephants at the top of the group standings.
The West Africans produced a disciplined and clinical display in that opening fixture and will now aim to build momentum with another positive result against the Congolese side.
Coach Bassiriki Diabaté is expected to retain much of the team that impressed in the first game, although he has been forced into at least one defensive adjustment.
Defender Broulaye Cissé will miss the encounter after receiving a red card in the previous match, creating a suspension concern for the Ivorians ahead of the second round of fixtures.
Despite that setback, Ivory Coast are still expected to maintain their preferred 4-1-4-1 system.
Goalkeeper Adama Diabaté is likely to continue between the posts, with Alex Fousseni Bamba, Emmanuel Zoko, Mory Doumbia and Harafat Diabaté expected in defence.
In midfield, Hamza Coulibaly is set to anchor the side behind Youssouf Diabaté, Landry Bazongo, Abdoul Doumbia and Ange Nomane, while Hubert Yao is expected to lead the attack.
Several of those players impressed during the victory over Cameroon, particularly in the second half where Ivory Coast showed composure and attacking efficiency.
For DR Congo, the situation is more urgent.
The Congolese side are under pressure to respond positively and revive their campaign after a difficult start to the competition.
Coach Denis Makenga Mulamba is reportedly considering significant changes to his lineup in a bid to improve performances and secure a result against one of the tournament favourites.
DR Congo are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Ignace Sumbu likely to start in goal.
Benjamin Komba, Sernat Atiso, Ronel Makela and Djessy Wunda are expected to form the defence, while John Elika and Sugar Mabanza could operate in midfield.
Further forward, Ortega Kabundi, Justin Kiliba and Exaucé Titi Wazafa are expected to support striker Paoul Loko.
The fixture brings together two nations with growing reputations in African youth football and could play a major role in shaping the final group standings.
For Ivory Coast, another victory would move them closer to qualification for both the knockout stage and the FIFA U-17 World Cup later this year.
For DR Congo, avoiding defeat may already be crucial to keeping their hopes alive in a highly competitive group.
