The Elephants host Gambia on Thursday 12 November in Bouaké (19:00 GMT) on matchday 3 of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Bonaventure Kalou, the former Ivory Coast international, believes this duel between two teams on six points will clarify the situation in Group C.
Two teams, six points apiece and top spot to be decided. Ivory Coast welcome Gambia on Thursday 12 November at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké, at 19:00 GMT, on matchday 3 of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, reports Foot Africa. A top-of-the-table clash in Group C between two sides that have not yet dropped a single point.
In the standings, the Elephants lead Gambia on goal difference: +4 against +3, according to Sport News Africa. The reverse fixture, on matchday 4, is scheduled for 17 November at the Independence Stadium in Bakau, Black News reports.
An Ivory Coast defence still unbeaten
The Ivorian numbers are impressive. In two outings, coach Hervé Renard’s side have conceded no goals, Sport News Africa points out. Against Somalia, the Elephants had 74% possession, took 23 shots, 6 of them on target, and won 9 corners, while their opponents managed only one shot, none on target.
The attacking record is less clear-cut: two of Ivory Coast’s four goals came in the 89th and 90th minutes against Somalia, the same source recalls. Yann Gboho scored in the 89th, and Bazoumana Touré, 19, a Newcastle player, in the 90th.
Kalou: “we’ll see things more clearly”
The former Ivory Coast international sets out what is at stake: “It’s the top-of-the-table match between the two teams in Group C who should take the two qualifying tickets for the 2027 AFCON. After this game, we’ll see things more clearly in the group.”
Kalou also warns of how difficult the match will be: “Despite the win, the Elephants had suffered a lot. We’re in for a similar kind of match.” For their part, Gambia have scored six goals in two games, including a 4-2 win over Ghana, according to Sport News Africa.
To make the difference, Kalou is counting on Ivory Coast’s depth of talent: “Ivory Coast have an exceptional squad. They can always rely on individuals like Yan Diomande, Amad Diallo, Nicolas Pépé and Martial Godo to make the difference.”
Bakau in their sights
On the Gambian side, coach Johnathan McKinstry has named 25 players for the double header, according to Black News. The Gambian delegation left their country on Tuesday to reach Bouaké via Abidjan, the same source says.
The two matches are therefore scheduled five days apart, on 12 and 17 November, the second in Bakau on matchday 4.