Ivory Coast will have to live without inspirational skipper Yaya Toure in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers after the Manchester City man announced his retirement from International football last month.

The Elephants however, are littered with stars from all over Europe’s elite leagues and will still remain a force to be reckoned with in Group C.

Ivory Coast boast of players such as Eric Bailly of Manchester United, Max Gradel of Bournemouth, Jonathan Kodjia of Aston Villa, Cheick Doukouré of Metz in France and Wilfried Bony of Stoke City.

Such is the abundance of talents in this Ivorian side that they will still establish themselves as firm favorites to make it to Russia.

They have made 3 appearances at the FIFA World Cup their first coming only in 2006 Germany.

But if the Elephants want to make it 4 times, they need to negotiate a very tough Group C which has Gabon, Morocco and Mali.

Their first opponents Mali won’t be an easy customer.

The Eagles of Mali come into the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers with the hope of making their first appearance at the prestigious event.

They will rely on players such as Bakary Sako of Crystal Palace,  Adama Traore of Monaco, Samba Sow of Kayserispor in Turkey and Salif Coulibaly of Mazembe Club in DRC.

Don’t miss all the action coming to you from the Stade Bouake on Saturday 8 October 2016 with coverage starting at 18:00 hrs.

Follow extensive coverage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on Soka25east.com