Mali will play host to Ivory Coast in the 2018 Fifa World Cup Qualification (Caf) Group C match at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako on Friday.

Kick-off is at 9pm.

The Eagles' 0-0 draw with Morocco in their previous Group C match at home last month dented their chances of qualifying for the finals.

The goalless stalemate left Mali placed fourth on the group standings with two points from four matches. They are five points behind the leaders, Ivory Coast, with two games left.

The Eagles, who have never qualified for the World Cup, will look to striker Nouha Dicko, who is currently on the books of English Championship side Hull City.

Mohamed Magassouba, the Mali coach, has explained why he called up the 25-year-old marksman as the Eagles look to keep their slim chances alive.