As a result of being placed in Group I, along with 2017 AFCON hosts Gabon, the three other teams - Ivory Coast, Sudan, and Sierra Leone play fewer games than the other sides all vying for a spot at next year's tournament. Subsequently, due to the fact that there are only three teams actually competing, only the top-ranked side out of Group I will be eligible to qualify (as opposed to other quartets in which the runners-up will be compared to others to determine who has the best record).
Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire)
Currently the reigning AFCON champions, the Ivory Coast will be hoping to successfully defend their title in Gabon next year. Last year, Les Éléphants clinched their second AFCON title after beating Ghana 9-8 in a tense and exciting penalty shootout. Coincidentally, this was the second time they lifted the trophy at the expense of the Black Stars - the first taking place in 1992 - and just like 23 years ago, they had to finally settle the game on penalties.
Presently under the tutelage of Michel Dussuyer since July 2015, the Ivory Coast will be coming into this game having had to settle for a point in a scoreless stalemate against Sierra Leone. They will be hoping that their good record against Sudan - which has seen them win six out of their past eight meetings - will still hold as they look for a better result on Friday evening.
Sudan
Meanwhile, Sudan, who won the AFCON back in 1970 will be hoping to qualify for their first major international tournament since participating in the 2012 edition of the AFCON tournament, in which they bowed out during the quarter-finals. To date, the Falcons of Jediane have never qualified for a World Cup, nor an Olympic Games, but will be hoping to overturn a bad run against the Ivory Coast this Friday.
Thanks to a second half penalty from Ramadan Alagab, Sudan were able to edge Sierra Leone out 1-0 last year to currently sit on top of Group I. Still, the reigning AFCON champions will likely provide a much sternet rest. Moreover, Sudan has just won one out of their prior eight match-ups against the Ivory Coast, during which they have netted three goals whilst conceding 16.
Which channel is broadcasting Ivory Coast vs Sudan on TV or Online?
The Ivory Coast and Sudan will clash twice over the span of the next four days. For the first leg, the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny will be the venue as Les Éléphants and Falcons of Jediane. However, if you are too far away to make it in person, no worries. LiveSoccerTV.com has put together some choices to view this AFCON 2017 qualifying match via your TV, computer, phone, or tablet.
Here are some options for fans who would like to tune in for this AFCON 2017 qualifying match:
- In the USA at 12.30 EST on: beIN SPORTS CONNECT U.S.A., fuboTV, beIN Sports USA
- In France at 17.30 CET on: beIN Sports 2
Live elsewhere? Check out our special Ivory Coast vs Sudan broadcast page for viewing times and options for your current location.
*Note: Live broadcast data is subject to change*
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
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