Cote d’Ivoire’s attacking stars shine but defensive concerns remain against Gambia

Cote d’Ivoire maintained their perfect start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Gambia in Bouake on Thursday, 12 November, but former international Ibrahima Bakayoko believes the performance exposed areas that still require improvement.

The Elephants have now won all three of their matches in the qualifiers after overcoming Gambia at the Stade de la Paix. They made an impressive start, scoring twice within seven minutes, and looked capable of securing a more comfortable victory before their performance became less assured.

Malick Yalcouye, Yan Diomande and Elye Wahi were the standout performers for Cote d’Ivoire, while the team’s defensive organisation and second-half control proved less convincing.

Yalcouye makes his mark

Brighton midfielder Malick Yalcouye opened the scoring in the 17th minute, providing the platform for Cote d’Ivoire’s strong start.

His movement, energy and willingness to push forward gave the home side greater intensity in midfield. Bakayoko highlighted the 19-year-old’s contribution as one of the most positive aspects of the victory.

Yan Diomande was another major threat. The Real Madrid winger showed his ability to influence the game directly when he pressed the Gambian defence, won possession and created the second goal in the 24th minute.

His determination allowed him to take the ball away from a defender before supplying Wahi, who finished the move to double Cote d’Ivoire’s lead. Bakayoko also singled out Diomande’s work in creating danger and maintaining pressure on the visitors.

Wahi provides the finish

Nice forward Elye Wahi completed the scoring for Cote d’Ivoire with a composed finish after Diomande’s intervention.

Wahi’s positioning and calmness in front of goal ensured that the attacking move was rewarded. The goal was significant both for his confidence and for the competition for places in the national team’s forward line.

However, Gambia reduced the deficit in the 38th minute when Musa Barrow’s shot took a deflection after a corner. The goal raised further questions about Cote d’Ivoire’s concentration at set-pieces and their reaction to loose balls inside the penalty area.

Second-half control remains a concern

Although the first half contained plenty of promise, Cote d’Ivoire gradually lost control after the interval. The tempo dropped, clear chances became less frequent and Gambia were allowed to remain in contention until the final stages.

Bakayoko’s concerns therefore extend beyond the defence. Managing a lead and maintaining control of the match for 90 minutes will also need attention before the next meeting between the sides.

Cote d’Ivoire will soon travel to Bakau to face Gambia again in their fourth qualifying match for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The victory in Bouake keeps the Elephants’ campaign on track, but their attacking quality must be matched by greater defensive concentration and stronger game management.