Curaçao vs Ivory Coast — Match prediction

Ivory Coast secured a 2-0 victory over Curaçao, with both goals arriving in the first half. Nicolas Pépé opened the scoring in the 7th minute with a normal goal, setting the visitors on course for a comfortable win. The match remained relatively controlled until Pépé added his second of the afternoon in the 64th minute, again from open play.

The decisive moments came entirely from Pépé’s contributions. His early strike gave Ivory Coast a lead they never looked like relinquishing, and his second goal effectively ended any hopes of a Curaçao comeback. Pépé was also booked in the 35th minute, while Curaçao’s Juninho Bacuna and Gervane Kastaneer received yellow cards late in the second half.

The result aligned with the pre-match probabilities, which gave Ivory Coast a 50% chance of winning and a 0% chance of losing. Our pre-match pick of Ivory Coast proved correct, as the visitors delivered a straightforward victory.

For Ivory Coast, the win provides a solid foundation, while Curaçao will need to address their lack of attacking threat after failing to score at home.

Curaçao enter this match with a recent record of a loss and a draw, suggesting they are yet to find consistent rhythm. Ivory Coast, by contrast, have alternated between a win and a loss, showing greater potential for a positive result. The form comparison heavily favours the away side at 75%, indicating they arrive in better shape.

Statistically, Ivory Coast hold clear advantages in both attack and defence. Their attacking output is rated at 67% against Curaçao’s 33%, while defensively they stand at 78% compared to Curaçao’s 22%. The model assigns equal 50% probabilities to a draw and an away win, with no chance given to a home victory. This points to a contest where Ivory Coast are expected to control proceedings.

No previous meetings between these sides are available for reference.

The data consistently points toward Ivory Coast avoiding defeat, with the model advising a double chance on draw or away win. Given the defensive and attacking gaps, a draw remains possible but Ivory Coast appear the more likely side to claim victory. The percentages suggest a low-scoring affair where Curaçao will struggle to create clear chances.