AFCON 2027 qualifiers: the Elephants arrive in Bouaké with a full squad

Having begun their training camp in Abidjan, the Ivory Coast national team set off for Bouaké on Tuesday 10 November, where they will put the finishing touches to their preparations before facing The Gambia.

Hervé Renard’s side will host the Scorpions at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on Thursday 12 November, as part of the third matchday of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Upon their arrival in central Ivory Coast, the Elephants received a warm welcome. The squad will now focus fully on this crucial fixture, with a final training session scheduled before kick-off.

The good news for manager Hervé Renard is that the squad is now at full strength. Chris Inao, who had been absent from previous training sessions in Abidjan, has finally rejoined his team-mates and is now available to the French manager.

After a perfect start with two wins in their first two qualifying matches, Ivory Coast will be looking to build on that form against The Gambia. However, The Gambians are also brimming with confidence after securing two wins in their previous two matches.