Gambia v Cote d’Ivoire: probable line-ups for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

Tuesday’s meeting between Gambia and Cote d’Ivoire will be one of the key fixtures in the fourth round of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, with the Elephants aiming to strengthen their position at the top of Group C.

Cote d’Ivoire defeated the Scorpions by a narrow margin in the third round and will face them again in what promises to be another closely contested match. Both sides’ expected line-ups point to a contrast in approach, with Gambia likely to prioritise defensive organisation while the visitors are expected to attack with a front three.

Gambia

Gambia manager Johnathan McKinstry is expected to use a compact 5-4-1 formation to deal with Cote d’Ivoire’s attacking threat.

Omar Colley is likely to provide experience at the heart of the defence alongside the younger Alagie Saine and Yaya Bojang. Ibou Touray and Joseph Ceesay are also expected to feature in the defensive unit, with Baboucarr Gaye starting in goal.

In midfield, Abubakr Barry could partner the tireless Ebou Adams as Gambia look to compete physically and connect defence with attack. Ebrima Colley and Musa Barrow are expected to provide the pace on the counter-attack.

Mohamed Badamosi is likely to lead the line, offering an outlet capable of holding up the ball and bringing the wide players into the game.

Gambia probable XI: Baboucarr Gaye; Omar Colley, Alagie Saine, Yaya Bojang, Ibou Touray, Joseph Ceesay; Abubakr Barry, Ebou Adams, Ebrima Colley, Musa Barrow; Mohamed Badamosi.

Cote d’Ivoire

Herve Renard is expected to select an attacking 4-3-3 formation for the trip to Gambia.

Oumar Solet, now eligible to play, could line up in central defence alongside Evan Ndicka. Hassane Kamara and Abdoul Ouattara are expected to complete the back four, with Yahia Fofana starting in goal.

The midfield is set to feature Malick Yalcouye, Yaya Fofana and Amad Diallo. Their technical ability should allow Cote d’Ivoire to retain possession and find openings against a disciplined Gambian defence.

Nicolas Pepe, Yan Diomande and Elye Wahi are expected to form the front three. Their pace and attacking quality will be central to Cote d’Ivoire’s attempt to break down the hosts’ compact shape, continuing the approach used in the previous meeting.

Cote d’Ivoire probable XI: Yahia Fofana; Evan Ndicka, Oumar Solet, Hassane Kamara, Abdoul Ouattara; Malick Yalcouye, Yaya Fofana, Amad Diallo; Nicolas Pepe, Yan Diomande, Elye Wahi.

The match is the fourth fixture of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign for both teams. The odds listed by 1xbet price a Gambia victory at 6.50, with a draw at 3.85 and a Cote d’Ivoire win at 1.54.