Scorpions depart Gambia for Ivory Coast
The national football team travels to Bouaké for crucial Afcon qualifiers against the Elephants.
The Gambia's Scorpions left the country on Tuesday for Bouaké, travelling through Abidjan. They face Ivory Coast there on Thursday in Matchday 3 of the qualifying group for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, known as AFCON PAMOJA 2027.
Head Coach Johnathan McKinstry named a final 25-man squad for the double-header with the Elephants. The team held its first training session on Monday at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.
Both nations have six points after winning their earlier games against Ghana and Somalia. Ivory Coast top the group on goal difference, and whoever wins both meetings could secure a place at the 2027 finals. The return leg is set for November 17 at the Independence Stadium.
Why it mattersThe national team's results in these two matches will decide whether Gambia can qualify for the 2027 finals.