Ivory Coast coach Patrice Beaumelle has a number of selection headaches to consider ahead of Wednesday’s Africa Cup of Nations clash with Egypt.
The Elephants enjoyed a positive group stage, knocking out holders Algeria en route to topping their standings despite dropping two points in a shock draw with Sierra Leone. Ambitious Egypt are next up as the Pharaohs look to dispel their 2019 heartbreak at the same stage.
In defence, Beaumelle is set to return Eric Bailly to the starting XI having rested him for the Algeria match. Badra Ali Sangare, Serge Aurier, Simon Deli and Ghislain Konan have also been regulars during the tournament so far.
The midfield trio of Jean-Michel Seri, Franck Kessie and Ibrahim Sangare have stood out for the Ivorians and will line up alongside each other in Douala.
A clean bill of health means only tactical reasons will be under consideration when setting up in attack. Sebastian Haller was criticised for his display in the opener against Equatorial Guinea but was defended by his coach, before scoring past Sierra Leone.
Burnley winger Maxwel Cornet lost his place after the first match to Nicolas Pepe, who has scored in both of his starts since. Wilfried Zaha and Max Gradel will compete for the spot on the opposite flank.
Predicted Ivory Coast XI: B. Sangare; Aurier, Bailly, Deli, Konan; Kessie, Seri, I. Sangare; Pepe, Gradel, Haller.
