AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Ivory Coast beat Gambia to secure a third consecutive victory

The Elephants beat The Gambia 2-1 on Thursday 12 November at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké, on Matchday 3 of the qualifiers.

Ivory Coast took an early lead in the match. In the 17th minute, Malick Yalcouyé opened the scoring following an assist from Nicolas Pépé. Seven minutes later, Elye Wahi extended the Ivorians’ lead. Set up by Yan Diomandé, the striker scored Ivory Coast’s second goal in the 24th minute.

This goal holds particular significance for Elye Wahi. Since choosing to represent Ivory Coast on the international stage this year, this was his very first goal in an Elephants shirt.

Trailing by two goals, Gambia were quick to respond, however. Musa Barrow pulled one back in the 38th minute, breathing new life into the Scorpions’ hopes. Despite this response, the Gambians were unable to equalise. Côte d’Ivoire held on to their lead until the final whistle and ran out 2-1 winners.

With this third victory in as many matches, Hervé Renard’s side have had a perfect start to the campaign and sit top of Group C on their own with nine points.