Côte d’Ivoire’s U20 women’s team is preparing for a decisive clash against Gambia as they look to secure qualification for the second round of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
On Saturday, just one day before the all-important return leg, the young Elephants held their final training session at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpé. Under the guidance of head coach Dao Lassina, the session was anything but routine.
It was marked by intensity, sharp focus, and tactical fine-tuning aimed at addressing shortcomings from the first leg.
Having earned a hard-fought 1–0 victory in the away fixture, Côte d’Ivoire enter the return leg with a slender advantage but remain cautious and disciplined. Saturday’s preparations reflected a team fully aware of what is at stake.
Every movement on the training pitch was calculated, with a strong emphasis on structure, positioning, and finishing—areas where the team hopes to sharpen its edge ahead of Sunday’s encounter.
The mood in the Ivorian camp is one of confidence tempered by humility. Coach Dao Lassina has instilled a mindset that blends self-belief with respect for the opposition.
“We’re not taking anything for granted,” he was quoted as saying earlier this week. “Gambia is a capable team, but we’ve prepared well, and the players are focused on the mission.”
Victory on Sunday would not only confirm Côte d’Ivoire’s place in the second round of the qualifiers but also keep alive hopes of a first-ever appearance at the U20 Women’s World Cup.
That goal, once a distant dream, now feels increasingly attainable thanks to the team’s recent run of form and solid performances on the continental stage.
Kick-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. GMT at the Ebimpé Olympic Stadium, where fans are expected to turn out in strong numbers to support the national team.
The Ivorian Football Federation has called on the public to rally behind the squad, highlighting the significance of the match for women’s football in the country.
With youth development receiving growing attention in Ivorian football circles, the U20 women’s side has become a symbol of that progress.
The players, many of whom come from local academies and grassroots clubs, are now within touching distance of making history.
For them, Sunday’s match represents more than just a step in a qualifying campaign—it is a chance to inspire a new generation and elevate the profile of women’s football in Côte d’Ivoire.
Gambia, meanwhile, arrive in Ebimpé with a point to prove. Despite trailing by a goal, the Gambian Scorpions remain a threat, especially on the counterattack.
The visitors are expected to adopt a more aggressive posture in pursuit of an equaliser, which could make for an open and unpredictable match.
As the countdown to kick-off continues, all eyes will be on Ebimpé. The result will determine not only who advances but also whether Côte d’Ivoire’s rising stars can continue their march toward a historic World Cup debut.
