Cote d’Ivoire and Gambia reveal likely line-ups for Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

Cote d’Ivoire are expected to use a 4-3-3 formation against Gambia in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake on Thursday, 12 November 2026 (19:00 GMT). Gambia are likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1.

The meeting is the third round of qualifying, with both sides expected to make adjustments because of a number of absences.

Cote d’Ivoire manager Herve Renard could turn to Emmanuel Agbadou and Evan Ndicka in central defence after Odilon Kossounou, Guela Doue, Ghislain Konan and Wilfried Singo were ruled out.

Franck Kessie, Ibrahim Sangare and Malick Yalcouye are expected to form the midfield three, with Kessie likely to captain the side.

Amad Diallo and Yan Diomande could start in attack alongside Elye Wahi. Oumar Diakite is also in contention, either to start or to feature during the match.

Gambia are expected to build their team around captain Omar Colley, who could partner James Colley at the heart of the defence. Ebrima Adams is likely to operate in midfield.

Yankuba Minteh, Ebrima Colley and Musa Barrow are set to play behind striker Muhammed Badamosi in the anticipated 4-2-3-1 system.

The Scorpions will also be without several players, including Jesper Ceesay, Suleiman Camara, Alieu Fadera and Adama Sidibeh.

Probable Cote d’Ivoire line-up

Formation: 4-3-3

Goalkeeper: Yahia Fofana

Defence: Luck Zogbe, Emmanuel Agbadou, Evan Ndicka, Hassane Kamara

Midfield: Franck Kessie (captain), Ibrahim Sangare, Malick Yalcouye

Attack: Amad Diallo, Elye Wahi or Oumar Diakite, Yan Diomande

Probable Gambia line-up

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper: Baboucarr Gaye

Defence: Yaya Bojang, Omar Colley (captain), James Colley, Joseph Touray

Defensive midfield: Ebrima Adams, Ablie Barry or Mahmudu Bajo

Attacking midfield: Yankuba Minteh, Ebrima Colley, Musa Barrow

Striker: Muhammed Badamosi

The proposed line-ups remain subject to change and will only be confirmed when Cote d’Ivoire and Gambia announce their official starting elevens.