AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Gambia name squad for crucial Ivory Coast double-header

The Gambia head coach Johnathan McKinstry has announced his preliminary squad for the upcoming double-header against Ivory Coast in the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Scorpions are scheduled to face the Elephants on November 12 and November 17, with both encounters expected to play a significant role in determining the Group C standings.

McKinstry’s men have made an impressive start to their qualifying campaign, winning their opening two matches against Ghana and Somalia to collect six points from a possible six.

The Gambia currently occupy second position in Group C, level on points with leaders Ivory Coast, with goal difference separating the two sides.

The upcoming fixtures therefore present McKinstry’s team with an opportunity to strengthen their position and maintain their perfect record as they pursue qualification for the continental tournament.

The preliminary squad features several players plying their trade in Europe, with Brighton & Hove Albion winger Yankuba Minteh among the notable names expected to provide attacking quality.

The Scorpions will also count on the experience of forward Musa Barrow, alongside Abdoulie Manneh, Ebrima Colley, Alieu Fadera and Mohamed Badamosi as they prepare for the challenging encounters.

In midfield, Portsmouth’s Ebou Adams features alongside Abubakkr Barry of RB Salzburg, Mahmudu Bajo of Crvena Zvezda and Alasana Manneh of Kolding IF.

The defensive department includes experienced centre-back Omar Colley, Sheriff Sinyan, James Gomez and Ibou Touray, while Baboucarr Gaye, Sheikh Sibi and Ebrima Jarju have been named among the goalkeepers.

With Ivory Coast also sitting on six points, the two meetings could prove decisive in shaping the race for the top spot in Group C.

McKinstry will be hoping his players can maintain their early momentum and deliver strong performances against the Elephants to boost the country’s chances of securing a place at the 2027 AFCON.

Gambia preliminary squad

Goalkeepers: Baboucarr Gaye (Shkendija), Sheikh Sibi (Virtus Verona), Ebrima Jarju (Paide).

Defenders: Omar Colley (Al Fahya), Sheriff Sinyan (Rapid Bucharest), Yaya Bojang (Alverca), Alagie Saine (AC Horsens), James Gomez (Odense BK), Joseph Colley (KF Tirana), Tijan Sonha (Radnik), Ibou Touray (Bradford City), Sainey Sanyang (Botev Vratsa), Joseph Ceesay (Empoli).

Midfielders: Ebou Adams (Portsmouth FC), Abubakkr Barry (RB Salzburg), Mahmudu Bajo (FC Crvena Zvezda), Karamba Gassama (Gaziantep), Alasana Manneh (Kolding IF), Saidou Khan (Club Africain), Jesper Ceesay (Antalyaspor).

Forwards: Suleiman Camara (Slovan Bratislava), Abdoulie Manneh (Cercle Brugge), Musa Barrow (Al Khajeel), Ebrima Colley (Konyaspor), Abdoulie Sanyang (Hajduk Split), Salieu Drammeh (Standard Liege), Alieu Fadera (Cagliari), Yankuba Minteh (Brighton & Hove Albion), Adama Sidibeh (Stockport County), Abdoulie Ceesay (St. Pauli), Adama Bojang (Charleroi), Mohamed Badamosi (Riga).