The 2025 FIFA World Cup Africa Qualifiers continue this Friday, October 10, 2025, with Côte d’Ivoire traveling to Mauritius to face Seychelles in what looks to be one of the most one-sided matchups of the campaign. The game kicks off at 1:00 PM GMT and will be broadcast live on beIN Sports HD 1, Sport TV1 Portugal, Diema Sport 2 HD, SuperSport Maximo 1, and Digi Sport 2 HD Romania.

A Clash Between Unequals

This match is a clear battle between Group F’s best and worst teams. Côte d’Ivoire, under the guidance of Emers Faye, have been simply unstoppable in their qualifying run. The Elephants sit top of the group with 19 points, having scored 15 goals and, impressively, not conceded a single one.

Meanwhile, Seychelles are enduring a nightmare campaign. With eight losses from eight matches, they have conceded 39 goals and scored only two, marking one of the poorest defensive records in the entire African qualifiers.

Côte d’Ivoire’s Dominance and Motivation

For Côte d’Ivoire, this game is more than just another step—it’s a chance to edge closer to automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Faye’s men have combined defensive solidity with attacking flair, spearheaded by players like Sébastien Haller (Borussia Dortmund) and Franck Kessié (Al Ahli).

Their earlier meeting with Seychelles ended in a 9-0 demolition, one of the largest scorelines in African World Cup qualifying history. That result not only showcased their attacking power but also reflected the vast gulf in quality between the two sides.

Seychelles’ Struggles Continue

Seychelles have faced a difficult road throughout the qualifiers. Their defense has been porous, their midfield disorganized, and their attack largely toothless. The team’s morale has dipped after consecutive heavy defeats, and against a side like Côte d’Ivoire, the task seems monumental.

Still, football can be unpredictable. Seychelles will aim to put up a better fight at home, hoping to limit the damage and possibly score a rare goal to lift their spirits.

Key Players to Watch

• Côte d’Ivoire: Sébastien Haller, Franck Kessié, Simon Adingra, and Seko Fofana are expected to start. Their pace and finishing ability will be crucial.

• Seychelles: Elijah Tamboo and Brandon Labrosse might lead the line, hoping to exploit any defensive lapses—though against Côte d’Ivoire’s rock-solid defense, chances will be scarce.

Tactical Outlook

Expect Côte d’Ivoire to dominate possession from the start, pressing high and exploiting wide areas. Seychelles, on the other hand, will likely adopt a defensive 5-4-1 formation, aiming to minimize damage.

The Elephants’ midfield trio, anchored by Kessié, will look to control the rhythm, while their forwards will hunt for an early breakthrough to set the tone.

Prediction

It’s hard to see any outcome other than another emphatic win for Côte d’Ivoire. Seychelles’ defensive woes and lack of depth make them clear underdogs.
Predicted Score: Seychelles 0 – 6 Côte d’Ivoire