Ivory Coast eyes Gambia win to cement top spot
03/23/2025 05:00 AM
Ivory Coast will aim to continue their run of form when they go up against Gambia in the World Cup qualifiers at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium on Monday evening.
Kick-off is at 21h00 CAT.
The Elephants are occupying first position in the Group F standings with 13 points and have yet to lose a match in their qualifying campaign. Their previous match was a nail-biting 1-0 away victory against Burundi.
As for Gambia, they are fifth in the group rankings with four points earned from five matches, having won and drawn one match, losing three.
Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae has stated that he would like to leave a mark by ensuring a bright future for the team as a young coach.
"It’s a great honour, especially since young African coaches in Europe face significant challenges. Leading a national team is a heavy responsibility," said Fae as quoted by CAFonline.
"Too often, we are relegated to assistant roles or youth teams, but when senior positions arise, it becomes complicated.
"I'm happy to show young African coaches and players that when you have a dream, you must believe in it from start to finish."
With Gabon trailing closely by just being a point behind the Elephants, it's imperative for them to win this match to further strengthen their chances of winning the group to gain automatic qualification to the 2026 World Cup in North America.
