Gambia vs. Ivory Coast: preview and betting tips

The African leg of the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup continues on Monday, with Gambia welcoming Ivory Coast, who gifted a nine to another opponent earlier in the week. What to expect from the match?

Gambia vs. Ivory Coast analysis, preview

The Gambia started the African phase of the qualification with a loss on the soil of Burundi, falling 2: 3 in a shootout.

The Elephants would like to make a comeback after two world tournaments without their participation, and they have done a great job. A 9:0 win means they are clearly motivated to go through to the final stage, as was the tradition in the last generation.

Gambia’s key figures

Probably the biggest name in the home selection is winger Musa Barrow, who kicked for many years in the Italian Serie A. Omar Colley of Besiktas Istanbul holds the defensive line, having already scored three goals in Turkey this season.

Ivory Coast’s key figures

The visitors put together an interesting selection, winger Simon Adingra has four goals and three assists for Brighton this season. Nottingham have shelled out €35m to PSV Eindhoven for midfielder Ibrahim Sangare.

Gambia vs. Ivory Coast odds, tips

The Gambia’s defence is literally on fire, conceding two or more goals in four of their last five games. Moreover, all the countries that have managed to do so (Congo, Burundi, Sudan, Mali) have failed to qualify for the last two World Cups.

The Elephants have also fallen short of expectations in recent years, but are now looking up thanks to a nominally loaded roster. Most of the players are in the top 5 European leagues, with Wilfried Zaha finishing his career at Galatasaray Istanbul.

Considering their only loss in the last seven away games, I think Ivory Coast will win. At the same time, the Elephants netted nine goals last game, and with their form, it’s worth a shot at two or more goals.

Betting tip | Ivory Coast to win