Zero. That is the number of goals Côte d'Ivoire have conceded in 10 World Cup qualifying matches in CAF competition. Not one, not a fluke clean sheet or two, but a flat zero across ten games. It is the standout figure in a wider look at the meanest defences in the game this season.
No other side on this list can match that. The closest comes from Angola, where Atlético Petróleos de Luanda have shipped just a single goal in seven Girabola matches, working out at 0.14 per game. In Greece, Olympiacos have conceded twice in eight Stoiximan Super League fixtures, a rate of 0.25 per game that keeps them among the most difficult teams in Europe to break down.
National teams holding firm
Côte d'Ivoire are not alone among international sides in protecting a lead. Ecuador have conceded five times in 18 World Cup qualifying matches in CONMEBOL, a rate of 0.28 per game across a much heavier schedule than most of the clubs on this list. Across 18 fixtures, keeping that number down to five is a serious achievement of its own.
Club sides in the mix
Several domestic outfits are not far behind the leaders. FCV Dender have let in two goals in seven Challenger Pro League games (0.29 per game), while PS Sakiet Eddaïer have conceded the same number from six matches in the Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1, a rate of 0.33.
In Spain, CD Castellón have conceded four times in 11 Segunda División matches (0.36 per game), and in Nigeria, Rivers United have let in four goals across 10 Nigeria Premier Football League fixtures, also working out at 0.40 per game.
- Côte d'Ivoire: 0 conceded in 10 (0.00/game)
- Atlético Petróleos de Luanda: 1 in 7 (0.14/game)
- Olympiacos FC: 2 in 8 (0.25/game)
- Ecuador: 5 in 18 (0.28/game)
- FCV Dender: 2 in 7 (0.29/game)
- PS Sakiet Eddaïer: 2 in 6 (0.33/game)
- CD Castellón: 4 in 11 (0.36/game)
- Rivers United: 4 in 10 (0.40/game)
What stands out is the spread: a World Cup qualifying campaign, a top European league, and smaller domestic competitions all producing defences that opponents simply cannot get past. Côte d'Ivoire's zero remains the number everyone else on this list is chasing.