IVC vs NAM Dream 11 Team: With qualification on the line for either side into the round of 16, Namibia’s and Ivory Coast’s encounter sees plenty of ramifications hanging on it
Namibia Vs Ivory Coast AFCON Best Dream 11 Team
With Egypt Nigeria, Morocco and Algeria having ascertained themselves of a place in the round of 16 on Sunday after topping their respective groups, the onus now lies on 12 remaining countries to cement their berth in the round of 16. With the expansion of the marquee tournament into 24 teams, this is the first time that the third placed teams will be having an opportunity of making it through to the knock-out phase, a colossal chance for either side.
And one such side to benefit from this opportunity will be today’s opponents in the first match of the day in Namibia and Ivory Coast. Placed in an extremely closely fought and competitive group that sees Ivory Coast and South Africa occupying second and third place with the three points apiece, Namibia know they can turn things in the group on their head if they manage to register a win today.
Yet to win a match in the league, going down to South Africa and Morocco by the one goal each, Namibia are still in the reckoning for a round of 16 spot given the new rules in place. And a win would not only throw them right back into the mix of the grand scheme of things but can also leave Ivory Coast in a predicament.
Currently in second place in Group D after wining against South Africa and being put down by Morocco 1-0, it’s the goal difference which sees Ivory Coast still needing to win another match emphatically. With a direct qualification spot into the next stage looming, they’ll be looking to imbed a complete and well-rounded display, one fully possible given the skill set imbued in the side.
Probable Winner for IVC vs NAM Dream 11
For us, Ivory Coast win this encounter given the massive stakes accorded to this final group stage match for both the sides. The ramifications from the match are massive and Ivory Coast have in them a group of highly experienced and stellar performers, players who know just what it takes to succeed at the big stage.
With Namibia failing to open their encounter till now in the tournament on the scoring front and Ivory Coast letting go past just the one goal, it’s their stern and stringent defence which will see them through this one.
Goal-Keeper for IVC vs NAM Dream 11
Hardly any questioning our selection of Sylvain Gbhohou from Ivory Coast here. While he kept a cleansheet against SA, it was his performance against Morocco that impressed us more as he parried away shot after shot to always ensure his side were kept in the match.
Defenders for IVC vs NAM Dream 11
Continuing on the same narrative as mentioned earlier, this facet is heavily dominated by Ivory Coast as well. Their backline has been responsible for seeing them sitting in second position with the defensive unit having drilled into it the know and expertise needed to shut down attacks. Tottenham’s Serge Aurier, Wilfred Kanon and Ismael Traore are all making an advent into our side given their ardent defensive skill set and our confidence in the side coming out of this with a cleansheet.
Although we don’t see Namibia faring well on the defensive front, Denzil Hoaseb is someone who in the middle of their four man backline knows how to position himself to get in the blocks and tackles and we are going to opt for him.
Midfielders for IVC vs NAM Dream 11
The centre of the park is where we have opted for the picks from Namibia, imbedding the defensive midfielders particularly in our side. The three man pivot at the heart of their formation has been responsible for seeing the relatively new entrant make a meal of encounters with Petrus Shitembi, Deon Kvendji and Willy Stephanus all punching above their weight and showing the stomach for a fight.
Jean Seri showed in the Premier League for Fulham that when he’s functioning at his best, he’s not just a CDM but someone who can ably carry the ball forward as well and help through his pace and ability to craft out important goals for his side. He along with Max Gradel, an extremely important component of their attack comes in for us,
Strikers for IVC vs NAM Dream 11
With Wilfred Zaha not featuring for his country till now, Jonathan Kodjia has been asked to lead the line, something he has done more than capably. His awareness, all round movement both on and off the ball and profound shots see him wrap up our Dream 11 side for this match.
Captain And Vice-Captain
Max Gradel is our captain for this while we have opted for fullback Aurier as the vice-captain given the marauding runs he likes making up the field.
Match Details
Africa Cup Of Nations 2019
Match: Namibia Vs Ivory Coast
Date And Time: 1st July, Monday- 9:30pm IST
Venue: Cairo International Stadium, Cairo
