Cote d’Ivoire will open their U17 World Cup campaign against Uzbekistan before facing Group E favourites Italy and Jamaica, with the Elephanteaux aiming to reach the second round.
The Ivorian side go into the tournament with confidence after a reassuring showing at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, where they finished top of their group. That performance has strengthened belief within the squad as they prepare for a demanding first-round schedule.
Cote d’Ivoire have been drawn alongside Italy, Uzbekistan and Jamaica. Italy are regarded as the leading contenders in the section, but the Elephanteaux will believe they have a realistic opportunity to challenge for qualification.
Their prospects are built on a strong collective technical level and an attack that has shown encouraging efficiency. Those qualities will be tested from the opening match, when they face Uzbekistan on 20 November.
The tournament provides Cote d’Ivoire with the chance to build on the positive signs shown at the continental competition. Finishing first in their group at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations offered a platform for the team to approach the World Cup with both ambition and composure.
Italy represent the most difficult assignment on paper and will be Cote d’Ivoire’s second opponent. The meeting comes three days after the opening game and could prove significant in determining the balance of Group E.
The Elephanteaux will complete their first-round fixtures against Jamaica on 26 November. By then, the outcome of their earlier matches will have shaped the pressure surrounding the final group game, but Cote d’Ivoire have the opportunity to place themselves in contention for a place in the second round.
Cote d’Ivoire’s U17 World Cup first-round schedule is:
– 20 November, 16:00: Cote d’Ivoire v Uzbekistan
– 23 November, 14:30: Italy v Cote d’Ivoire
– 26 November, 14:00: Jamaica v Cote d’Ivoire
With Italy considered the group’s favourites, Cote d’Ivoire’s route forward will depend on how effectively they can combine their technical quality with the attacking efficiency that impressed at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Elephanteaux therefore begin the competition with a challenging but promising selection of fixtures. Their first match against Uzbekistan offers the initial opportunity to turn the confidence generated by their continental campaign into World Cup momentum, before the team faces Italy and then Jamaica in the remainder of Group E.
