Cote d’Ivoire v Gambia: Bonaventure Kalou backs Elephants to strengthen CAN 2027 qualification hopes

Cote d’Ivoire face the Gambia in a crucial Group C fixture on matchday three of the CAN 2027 qualifiers, with Bonaventure Kalou predicting a home victory for the Elephants.

The two sides are level on points at the top of the group, with Cote d’Ivoire hosting their neighbours at the Stade de la Paix de Bouake. Kalou believes three points would put Herve Renard’s side in a strong position to secure qualification.

The former Cote d’Ivoire striker said the match would provide a clearer indication of the balance of power in the group during an interview with Ivoirezine.

Kalou nevertheless warned that the Gambia should not be underestimated. The Scorpions have already shown their ability to produce a significant result by beating Ghana in Accra.

He also highlighted the return of Yankuba Minteh and Musa Barrow as a factor that could strengthen the Gambian team. Previous meetings between the two countries have been closely contested, he added, making the upcoming match a potentially difficult encounter for the hosts.

Despite those concerns, Kalou believes Cote d’Ivoire possess the greater individual quality and a deeper squad. He expects those advantages to prove decisive over the course of the game.

The former international also pointed to improvements in the Ivorian defence since Herve Renard took charge. In his view, the team’s progress without the ball, combined with the quality available in the squad, should enable the Elephants to claim victory.

The match will be Cote d’Ivoire’s third in the CAN 2027 qualification campaign. With both teams currently sharing the lead in Group C, the result could have a major bearing on the race for a place at the tournament.