Cote d'Ivoire takes third straight win in 2027 AFCON qualifiers

ABIDJAN, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Cote d'Ivoire consolidated its position at the top of Group C in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with a 2-1 home win over Gambia on Thursday.

Malick Yalcouye opened the scoring for Cote d'Ivoire in the 17th minute and Elye Wahi doubled the lead seven minutes later. Musa Barrow pulled one back in the 38th minute.

Despite facing greater pressure in the second half, Cote d'Ivoire held on to secure its third win in as many matches.

In the other match, Ghana beat Somalia 2-0.

Cote d'Ivoire leads Group C with nine points, followed byGambia with six points and Ghana with three. Somalia sits bottom without a point.

Cote d'Ivoire will next travel to Gambia on November 17, while Somalia will host Ghana on November 16.

The 2027 AFCON qualifiers are being played over six rounds between September 2026 and March 2027, with 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four. The final tournament, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, will be held from June 19 to July 17, 2027.