Gambia and Cote d’Ivoire meet again on Tuesday, 17 November 2026, as the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign reaches its fourth round of fixtures.
The Elephants sit comfortably at the top of Group C and will face the Scorpions for the second time in the space of a short period, having edged the previous encounter in the third round. Both sides are expected to make tactical adjustments as they prepare for another important meeting.
Gambia expected to rely on a compact shape
Gambia manager Johnathan McKinstry is likely to use a 5-4-1 formation to contain Cote d’Ivoire’s attacking threat.
Omar Colley’s experience should be important at the heart of the defence, where he is expected to provide leadership alongside the younger Alagie Saine and Yaya Bojang. The defensive structure will be aimed at limiting the space available to the Elephants in central areas.
Abubakr Barry could partner Ebou Adams in midfield, with the pair tasked with competing physically while helping Gambia move the ball forward. Mohamed Badamosi is expected to lead the attack, with Musa Barrow and Ebrima Colley offering pace and an outlet on the counter-attack.
Gambia probable line-up
Goalkeeper: Baboucarr Gaye
Defenders: Omar Colley, Alagie Saine, Yaya Bojang, Ibou Touray, Joseph Ceesay
Midfielders: Abubakr Barry, Ebou Adams, Ebrima Colley, Musa Barrow
Forward: Mohamed Badamosi
Cote d’Ivoire set to attack in a 4-3-3
Herve Renard is expected to select an attacking 4-3-3 for the meeting in Gambia.
Oumar Solet, now eligible to play, could form the central defensive partnership with Evan Ndicka. The move would add solidity to a back line also expected to include Hassane Kamara and Abdoul Ouattara.
In midfield, Malick Yalcouye, Yaya Fofana and Amad Diallo are likely to provide technical quality, with possession and movement central to Cote d’Ivoire’s approach.
Nicolas Pepe, Yan Diomande and Elye Wahi are expected to lead the attack. Their pace and ability in one-on-one situations could be used to break down a compact Gambian defence, continuing the approach seen in the previous meeting between the sides.
Cote d’Ivoire probable line-up
Goalkeeper: Yahia Fofana
Defenders: Evan Ndicka, Oumar Solet, Hassane Kamara, Abdoul Ouattara
Midfielders: Malick Yalcouye, Yaya Fofana, Amad Diallo
Forwards: Nicolas Pepe, Yan Diomande, Elye Wahi
The match is the fourth fixture of the CAN 2027 qualification campaign for both teams. Betting odds listed by 1xbet place Gambia at 6.50 to win, with a draw priced at 3.85 and a Cote d’Ivoire victory at 1.54.