Ivory Coast Name Strongest XI for Gambia Opener as AFCON Qualifying Begins

Ivory Coast begin their Africa Cup of Nations Qualification Group C campaign at Stade de Bouaké with Amad Diallo in the starting XI. The hosts line up in a 4-3-3. Gambia, their opponents, have named Alagie Saine, Ebou Adams and Ebrima Colley in a 4-2-3-1.

Ivory Coast's 4-3-3 puts Amad Diallo in the front line. The shape gives them width and a midfield three to control the tempo. Diallo is the only Ivory Coast player listed among the key players for this match. His inclusion from the start signals the hosts' intent to attack early.

Gambia's 4-2-3-1 is built to absorb pressure and counter. Alagie Saine and Ebou Adams anchor the midfield two, with Ebrima Colley in the attacking line behind the striker. Baboucarr Gaye is also named in the squad. The shape allows Gambia to keep numbers behind the ball and spring forward through Colley.

Ivory Coast have no manager listed for this match. The team is simply Ivory Coast. Gambia also have no manager listed. The selections themselves are the story: Diallo starts for the hosts, while Gambia trust Saine, Adams and Colley from the off.

Gambia's preparations were disrupted before this fixture. The team was forced to abandon its flight to Ivory Coast amid a loss of cabin pressure and oxygen on the plane. The squad was travelling from Banjul to Yamoussoukro. The Gambia Football Federation said the players were "safe and in sound health" after the incident. That disruption adds context to their opening group match.

This is the first match in Group C of Africa Cup of Nations Qualification. Ivory Coast, as hosts, will want to set the tone at Stade de Bouaké. Gambia, despite the travel chaos, have named a competitive XI. The 4-3-3 against 4-2-3-1 sets up a contrast between Ivory Coast's attacking width and Gambia's compact midfield.

Kick-off is next. The teams are confirmed. The group table starts here.