Hervé Renard

Ivory Coast coach Hervé Renard has announced changes to his squad without overhauling his starting eleven ahead of the CAN 2027 qualifiers against Somalia. The announcement, carried by Abidjan.net, is drawing attention from Ivorian football fans ahead of the match, as supporters debate whether the tweaks will be enough to keep the Elephants on track.

Saudi Arabia are preparing to meet Iraq in their final Group A fixture of Arabian Gulf Cup 27 in Jeddah, a match with major bearing on who advances in the tournament. Attention focuses on coach Hervé Renard-era successor Donis making eight lineup changes, while defender Hassan Tambakti has been ruled out through injury. Analysts predict a routine Saudi win, but the fixture carries the weight of a long-standing rivalry between the two sides.

Côte d'Ivoire are preparing to face Somalia, with coach Hervé Renard under scrutiny after his side's scoring struggles. He has asked for "a little patience" for striker Yoan Bonny, who has gone without a goal in six matches. Attention is on whether the Ivorians can find form against Somalia.