Ivory Coast is facing Gambia in a pivotal Group F match on March 24, 2025, at 19:00 GMT+0, so the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign is still under progress. The Elephants will seek to use their home advantage in this sixth-round African qualifier encounter at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, a venue with 35,000 capacity.
While Gambia, in fifth place, need needs points to restore hope of a historic World Cup participation, Ivory Coast, the current group leaders, are undefeated in the competition and want to confirm their top position. Though certain referee specifics are not yet known, this football game guarantees ferocity; nevertheless, the stakes of the qualifying stage will surely affect the on-field dynamics.
Betting Tips and Match Insights
Get ready for a detailed breakdown of this matchup as we dive into the latest performances and historical clashes between these two sides. The Ivory Coast vs Gambia prediction today hinges on current form, key player contributions, and past encounters that reveal a clear trend. We will discuss how the defensive sturdiness of the Elephants compares to the attacking flair of Gambia but leaky backline. This part helps one to grasp the important elements controlling the result. Keep tuned for practical advice supported by head-to-head statistics and current performance.
Ivory Coast Results
Under head coach Emerse Fae, Ivory Coast has been a powerhouse in the World Cup qualifying showing consistency and resilience. Although their offensive has produced 13 times, their defence record is flawless that is, without goals given throughout five games. As they host Gambia, this shape makes them favourites.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 21/03/25 | WC | Burundi vs Ivory Coast | 0-1 | W |
| 28/12/24 | ANC | Burkina Faso vs Ivory Coast | 2-0 (Pen: 4-2) | L |
| 22/12/24 | ANC | Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso | 2-0 | W |
| 15/12/24 | FI | Ivory Coast vs Guinea | 4-1 | W |
| 19/11/24 | ACN | Ivory Coast vs Chad | 4-0 | W |
The Elephants’ 1-0 win over Burundi underlines their ability to grind out results, even away from home, with Evann Guessand proving decisive. Their only recent blemish came in a penalty-shootout loss to Burkina Faso in the ANC playoffs, but that doesn’t dent their qualifying dominance. At home, they’ve been ruthless, scoring freely against Guinea and Chad. The defensive trio of Agbadou, Gbamin, and Singo has been a wall, while Haller’s return adds firepower. This mix of solidity and attacking threat bodes well for Monday.
Gambia Results
The campaign of Gambia has been a rollercoaster, with defensive flaws casting shadows of brilliance over other aspects. With only four points, Johnny McKinstry’s squad has suffered for consistency and sits sixth in Group F. Their most recent attack against Kenya underlines both their lack of lead holding ability and scoring potential.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 20/03/25 | WC | Gambia vs Kenya | 3-3 | D |
| 08/03/25 | ANC | Gabon vs Gambia | 0-0 (Pen: 3-5) | W |
| 28/02/25 | ANC | Gambia vs Gabon | 0-0 | D |
| 18/11/24 | ACN | Tunisia vs Gambia | 0-1 | W |
| 15/11/24 | ACN | Gambia vs Comoros | 1-2 | L |
The 3-3 thriller against Kenya showed Gambia’s attacking intent, with Musa Barrow in fine form, but their defense crumbled late. Wins over Gabon and Tunisia in other competitions suggest they can upset stronger sides, yet their qualifying record (12 goals conceded) exposes a glaring weakness. Away form remains a concern, with no victories in the qualifiers. Barrow and Minteh will need to be at their best to trouble Ivory Coast. A tough challenge awaits in Abidjan.
Head-to-Head: Ivory Coast vs Gambia
Ivory Coast, who has dominated most recent meetings, clearly benefits from the historical animosity between these two countries. The last victory Gambia had over the Elephants was in 1984, a long memory in this game. As we deconstruct their interactions, expect the past to guide the present.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 20/11/23 | WC | Gambia vs Ivory Coast | 0-2 |
| 08/06/13 | WC | Gambia vs Ivory Coast | 0-3 |
| 23/03/13 | WC | Ivory Coast vs Gambia | 3-0 |
| 04/11/84 | WC | Gambia vs Ivory Coast | 3-2 |
| 21/10/84 | WC | Ivory Coast vs Gambia | 4-0 |
With a spotless record in the past four games and 13 goals without reply, Ivory Coast clearly is better. The defensive battles Gambia fights against the Elephants are a recurring motif, and their failure to score since 1984 is alarming. This tendency mostly benefits the hosts.
Predicted Lineups for Ivory Coast vs Gambia Football Match
Based on current performance and available players, below is a view of the possible starting XIs for this football match. For both teams, these lineups mirror their tactical strategies and important numbers.
Ivory Coast Possible Starting Lineup: Y Fofana (GK), Agbadou (DF), Gbamin (DF), Singo (DF), Kamara (MF), Kessie (MF), Aholou (MF), Doue (MF), Guessand (FW), Krasso (FW), Haller (FW)
Gambia Possible Starting Lineup: Jarju (GK), Njie (DF), Sinyan (DF), Colley (DF), Ceesay (MF), Bajo (MF), Barry (MF), Fadera (MF), Minteh (FW), Sowe (FW), Barrow (FW)
Unavailable Players
With Sebastian Haller recovering after a protracted injury absence for Ivory Coast, both teams seem to have full squads on hand. Fit main men from Gambia, Barrow and Minteh, will help to create a competitive duel.
Key Factors to Watch in Ivory Coast vs Gambia
Shape this qualifying much in part with form, injuries, and momentum. Both groups provide different advantages and disadvantages. These are the salient features that might determine the outcome.
- Ivory Coast’s Defensive Record: Unbeaten and yet to concede in the qualifiers, their backline is a fortress;
- Gambia’s Leaky Defense: Conceding 12 goals in five games highlights a major vulnerability;
- Haller’s Return: The striker’s assist against Burundi signals his intent to lead the attack;
- Barrow’s Form: Gambia’s hopes rest on his goal-scoring streak (11 career goals);
- Home Advantage: The Abidjan crowd could push Ivory Coast over the line;
- Gambia’s Away Struggles: No wins on the road in the qualifiers is a red flag;
- Recent Resilience: Ivory Coast’s four wins in five qualifier games show consistency;
- Motivation: Gambia need a miracle to climb the standings, while Ivory Coast eye a World Cup berth.
Free Tips on Ivory Coast vs Gambia
Looking for an edge in this matchup? These tips, rooted in stats and trends, focus on the Ivory Coast vs Gambia clash. Here’s how to approach your betting strategy.
- Leverage Head-to-Head Dominance: Ivory Coast have won every meeting since 1984, often by multiple goals, making them a safe pick for a victory;
- Expect Goals from the Hosts: With 13 goals in five qualifier games, Ivory Coast’s attack thrives at home consider “over 1.5 team goals”;
- Watch for Gambia’s Fightback: They’ve scored 12 times in the qualifiers, so “both teams to score” could hold value despite their defensive woes;
- Bank on a Clean Sheet: Ivory Coast’s zero goals conceded make a shutout likely against a Gambia side that’s struggled historically against them;
- Focus on Key Men: Haller and Barrow are in form player-specific bets like “anytime scorer” could pay off.
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Ivory Coast vs Gambia Prediction 2025
Ivory Coast head into this clash as clear favorites, boasting an unbeaten run and a rock-solid defense that’s yet to be breached in the qualifiers. Gambia, despite their attacking flair, have been undone by a porous backline and a dire away record. The Elephants’ home advantage at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, coupled with their 13-0 goal aggregate against Gambia in the last four meetings, tilts the scales heavily in their favor. Sebastian Haller’s return adds a clinical edge up top, while Gambia’s Musa Barrow will need a Herculean effort to break their scoring drought against this opponent. The Ivory Coast vs Gambia odds reflect this disparity, with the hosts likely priced short, but there’s value in expecting a controlled win rather than a blowout, given Gambia’s recent scoring form. A 2-0 scoreline feels plausible enough to secure the points without overexertion ahead of tougher tests. Gambia’s desperation might yield chances, but Ivory Coast’s experience and depth should see them through. Their motivation to lock in a World Cup spot since 2006 only sharpens their focus.
Our Prediction: Ivory Coast 2-0 Gambia
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | Ivory Coast to Win | 1.34 |
| Both Teams to Score | No | 1.6 |
| Total Goals | Under 2.5 | 1.92 |
This forecast aligns with Ivory Coast’s defensive dominance and Gambia’s historical struggles against them. For those looking to place a wager, the match offers a chance to capitalize on the hosts’ consistency. Betting through BC Game could enhance your experience place your stake on Ivory Coast vs Gambia at bc.game and enjoy competitive odds alongside a seamless platform. Whether you’re backing the Elephants or exploring prop bets, now’s the time to get involved in this qualifier showdown.
