Cote d’Ivoire aim to complete Gambia double in CAN 2027 qualifier

Five days after their 2-1 victory in Bouake, Cote d’Ivoire travel to the Independance Stadium in Bakau knowing another win against Gambia would confirm their place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The Group C return fixture takes place on Tuesday, 17 November 2026, at 16:00 GMT.

Nasser Eddy, a consultant for NCI Sport and presenter of the European Champions League on radio Nostalgie, has assessed the match and provided his predictions.

Gambia remain dangerous despite their defeat in the first meeting. Ranked 109th in the FIFA rankings, the Scorpions have scored seven goals in three qualifiers, making them the leading scorers in Group C. Their disciplined defensive organisation was evident in Bouake, with Jesper Ceesay and captain Omar Colley among those who impressed.

Musa Barrow, who scored Gambia’s goal with a clean strike in the first match, remains their main attacking threat. Ebrima Colley is the team’s leading scorer in the qualifying campaign with three goals. However, Gambia have scored only once in the opening 30 minutes of their past seven goals, have conceded first in their last two matches and earned fewer corners than Cote d’Ivoire in Bouake.

A victory would guarantee qualification for the Elephants, who are strong favourites after winning all three of their matches in the group. Cote d’Ivoire are 29th in the FIFA rankings and have conceded only one goal in the campaign.

Yan Diomande, Amad Diallo and Malick Yalcouye, who has scored twice in the competition, provide Herve Renard with considerable attacking quality, although the coach is expected to rotate his squad. Cote d’Ivoire have won the corner count in each of their three qualifiers and have averaged more than 18 attempts on goal per match.

Franck Kessie and his team-mates will nevertheless need to manage their discipline against a Gambian side expected to impose a physical contest. Cote d’Ivoire have received at least one booking in every match of the qualifying campaign.

The recent head-to-head record is heavily weighted towards Cote d’Ivoire. They have won all five meetings with Gambia over the past 13 years, scoring 11 goals and conceding once. Thursday’s result in Bouake extended that run.

Player to watch: Amad Diallo

Amad Diallo started on the right wing in Bouake after returning from injury several weeks ago. The Manchester United player was less influential than left-sided counterpart Yan Diomande, appearing short of full fitness and lacking his usual attacking impact.

He will have the chance to respond in Bakau, where the Adjame-born forward is often at his most dangerous when under pressure.

The recommended 1xBet prices are 1.51 for a Cote d’Ivoire win, 7.5 for a 1-2 final score and 1.36 for Cote d’Ivoire to win the corner count. Ebrima Colley is listed as a player to score, while the price for Gambia to score the third goal of the match is 6.7.

The prediction is for another Cote d’Ivoire victory at 1.51, with a 1-2 scoreline at 7.5. Cote d’Ivoire are also backed to win the corner market at 1.36. Gambia are expected to score the third goal, after the Elephants have taken a two-goal lead, at odds of 6.7.

Gambia v Cote d’Ivoire kicks off at 16:00 GMT on Tuesday, 17 November 2026. Odds may change.