Ivory Coast vs Gambia prediction: teams form analysis, possible lineups on November 12, 2026
AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations
The national teams of Ivory Coast and Gambia meet on November 12, 2026, in the third round of Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. The hosts are expected to do nothing less than win.
Ivory Coast - Gambia: team news and expert analysis
Last winter, Ivory Coast reached the quarter-finals of the previous Africa Cup of Nations, where they lost 3-2 to Egypt. Then, at the World Cup in the summer, they reached the knockout stage for the first time, but were beaten 2-1 by Norway. In September, they opened their new qualifying campaign with 2-0 wins over Ghana and Somalia. Last month, however, they lost 1-0 to Cameroon in a friendly.
Gambia picked up just 13 points from 10 matches in World Cup qualifying. They have made a strong start this time around, though. First, they beat Somalia 2-1 at home. Then came a major upset: a 4-2 win away to powerhouse Ghana.
Renard’s side score 1.6 goals per game and concede just 0.6. Their visitors average 2.7 goals scored and 1.7 conceded.
Head-to-head: Ivory Coast - Gambia
Kessié and company have won all six of their previous meetings.
The hosts remain clearly the stronger side, and they have a great chance to pull away from their main rivals in the group. They should take it. Our pick is a home win with a -1.5 goal handicap (odds: 1.67).
Ivory Coast - Gambia: key stats and trends
- Ivory Coast have won two of their last three matches
- Both teams have scored in 30% of Ivory Coast’s matches, with an average of 2.2 goals per game
- Gambia have won back-to-back matches
- Both teams have scored in 80% of Gambia’s matches, with an average of 4.4 goals per game
Ivory Coast - Gambia: likely starting lineups
Ivory Coast play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (likely lineup): Lafont — Ouattara, Agbadou, Diomandé, Tapé — Sangaré, Koné — Gboho, Gueu, Touré — Fofana
Gambia play in a 1-5-4-1 formation (likely lineup): Gaye — Ceesay, Sanneh, Colley, Bojang, Trawally — Sanyang, Barry, Adams, Camara — Badamosi
Place your bets on the upcoming match and follow your team’s position in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying standings
