The Ivory Coast’s World Cup qualifying campaign continued with a 2-0 victory over the Gambia on Monday, making them one of five countries to achieve away success in group matches. This win was secured by goals from Christian Kouame and Seko Fofana in Dar-es-Salaam, where Gambia hosted the game due to their own stadia being deemed unfit for international matches.
Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, and Madagascar also secured victories on the road. The Ivory Coast is now at the top of Group F, level on six points with Gabon. Kenya moved into third place on three points after their 5-0 win over the Seychelles in Abidjan. It’s worth noting that both Gambia and the Seychelles were banned from using their home stadia for this match.
Michael Olunga scored twice in the opening six minutes as Kenya went on the offensive, winning 5-0 against the Seychelles. In contrast, Equatorial Guinea’s captain Emilio Nsue netted the only goal in their match away to 10-man Liberia. Guinea Bissau’s win against Djibouti was secured by Swiss-based striker Mauro Rodrigues, while Madagascar won 3-0 against Chad.
Mali’s Kamory Doumbia scored to put them in the lead at home against Central African Republic, but Geoffrey Kondogbia equalized before half time. Only group winners will advance to the 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico and USA, while four best placed runners up get a chance for a berth via two playoff tournaments.