Seeking to pick up their first away win in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Gambia take on Ivory Coast at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny as they aim to get their campaign back on track.
Christian Kouame and SekoFofana were both on target to hand the Elephants a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture back in 2023, and they will look to open up a four-point lead at the top of Group F.
Ivory Coast took another step towards clinching a first World Cup appearance since 2006 as they held their own to secure a 1-0 victory over Burundi at the Staded’honneur de Meknes on Friday.
With Friday’s victory, Ivory Coast are one of just six unbeaten nations in the World Cup qualifying race, picking up four wins and one draw from their five matches so far to lead the way at the top of the Group F standings, one point above second-placed Gabon.
The Elephants will take pride in their defensive sturdiness, a significant factor in what has been a dominant qualifying campaign, as they are one of just two sides yet to concede a goal so far while netting 13 at the opposite end of the pitch.
In stark contrast, defensive vulnerability has been the biggest challenge to Gambia’s quest for a first-ever World Cup ticket and this was highlighted on Thursday when they were held to a 3-3 draw by Kenya at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpe Olympic Stadium.
Gambia have picked up four points from a possible 15 while conceding 12 goals and scoring 12 across their five games so far to sit fifth in the group standings, only above Seychelles who are one of just four nations yet to pick up any points in the qualifiers.
While victory on Monday could kickstart the Scorpions’ late charge for a World Cup ticket, they have lost each of their last four games against Ivory Coast, conceding 13 goals and failing to find the back of the net since a 3-2 victory in November 1984.
Breaching opposing defences has not been a worry for Gambia, who have made the net ripple 12 times in the qualifiers, but they will need to tighten up at the back if they are to make a late push for the playoff ticket.
However, Ivory Coast boast a superior and more experienced squad, and we predict they will make the most of their home advantage to secure maximum points.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
