AFCON 2027 qualifiers: the Elephants open training camp in Abidjan ahead of Gambia double-header

The Ivory Coast national team have officially begun their preparations for the November international break. The Elephants’ training camp began on Sunday 8 November in Abidjan, with the first players arriving and the coaching staff in attendance.

Ahead of their double-header against The Gambia, which count towards matchdays three and four of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the Ivorians have begun their training camp. Head coach Hervé Renard and his coaching staff joined the camp on Sunday.

Six players have also reported for duty: Patrick Zabi, Yaya Kader Fofana, Mohamed Koné, Hassane Kamara, Martial Godo and Oumar Solet. The other players are expected to arrive gradually to complete the squad ahead of the two matches against The Gambia, scheduled for 12 and 17 November.

These two fixtures are set to be particularly important in the race for qualification. The Elephants and the Gambians have made a perfect start to their qualifying campaign, with two wins each from their first two matches.

This double-header between the two sides could therefore prove decisive in the battle for top spot in Group C and qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals.