Ivory Coast open camp in Abidjan ahead of The Gambia double-header

Ivory Coast have officially commenced preparations for their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against The Gambia, with the Elephants opening their training camp in Abidjan on Sunday, November 8.

Head coach Hervé Renard and members of his technical team have arrived at the camp as the West African giants begin their build-up to two potentially decisive encounters in the race for a place at the continental showpiece.

The Elephants are preparing for Matchdays Three and Four of the qualifying campaign, with the two meetings against The Gambia scheduled for November 12 and 17.

Six players were the first to report for international duty, with Patrick Zabi, Yaya Kader Fofana, Mohamed Koné, Hassane Kamara, Martial Godo and Oumar Solet joining the team in Abidjan.

The remaining members of the squad are expected to arrive gradually over the coming days as Renard looks to assemble his full complement of players before the first encounter.

The early arrivals will allow the technical team to begin preparations while awaiting the rest of the squad, with the coaching staff expected to focus on tactical organisation and ensuring the players are ready for the demanding fixtures.

The upcoming double-header carries significant importance for both nations, as Ivory Coast and The Gambia have made impressive starts to their qualifying campaigns.

Both teams have collected maximum points from their opening two matches, recording two victories apiece to establish themselves as the leading contenders in Group C.

Consequently, the two encounters could have a major influence on the group standings, with the Elephants eager to maintain their winning momentum and strengthen their position in the qualification race.

Ivory Coast will be particularly keen to make home advantage count in the first meeting before travelling for the return fixture against a Gambian side that has also demonstrated its determination to secure a place at the 2027 tournament.

For Renard, the challenge will be to ensure his players maintain their impressive form while navigating two difficult assignments against a familiar West African opponent.

The Elephants boast considerable experience at continental level and will be determined to avoid any setbacks as they pursue another appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The 2027 AFCON will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, with Ivory Coast hoping to secure qualification and continue their presence among Africa’s leading football nations.

With both sides enjoying identical records after the opening two rounds, the November double-header promises to be a crucial test in determining who gains the upper hand in Group C.