Fiorentina’s Christian Kouame stars as Ivory Coast marches on in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers, notching a solid 2-0 victory against The Gambia in an away game within Group F.
Christian Kouame, the pivotal player from Italian club Fiorentina, was instrumental in putting Ivory Coast in the lead just before the half-time whistle. His precise finish in the box followed a blocked shot from Oumar Diakite, which Gambia’s keeper Modou Jobe initially parried.
Kouame, a dynamic midfielder, had earlier rattled the crossbar with a robust volley. Simon Adingra, Brighton’s winger, also saw his subsequent shot dramatically cleared off the line.
The win was sealed by Seko Fofana’s thunderous long-range shot in the 85th minute during the match hosted in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
This victory propels Ivory Coast to the top of Group F, surpassing Gabon on goal difference. Their campaign had an explosive start with a 9-0 thrashing of Seychelles.
In other match-ups, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau both celebrated victories, while Seychelles prepared to play Kenya in Abidjan. Group I saw Mali and Chad hosting matches against Central African Republic and Madagascar respectively, in neutral Morocco.
African World Cup Qualifying: How It Works
The African continent has nine slots in the 2026 World Cup, held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Winners of each group secure their place in the finals.
Other African Qualifier Highlights
Equatorial Guinea clinched a win against Liberia, courtesy of a header from former Middlesbrough player Emilio Nsue. Despite being reduced to ten men, Liberia couldn’t overturn the deficit in Monrovia, leaving Equatorial Guinea to lead Group H.
Guinea-Bissau edged past Djibouti with a narrow 1-0 win in Cairo. Despite a late red card, Mauro Rodrigues’ goal was enough to secure the win, positioning Guinea-Bissau just two points behind Egypt, the Group A leaders.
This exciting phase of the World Cup qualifiers showcases the growing competitiveness and talent in African football, with teams vying for a spot in the much-anticipated 2026 World Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Africa
Who scored for Ivory Coast in their win against The Gambia?
Christian Kouame and Seko Fofana scored for Ivory Coast, with Kouame scoring just before half-time and Fofana sealing the win with a long-range strike in the 85th minute.
Where was the match between Ivory Coast and The Gambia played?
The match was played in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
What is Ivory Coast’s position in Group F after their win over The Gambia?
Ivory Coast moved to the top of Group F on goal difference, surpassing Gabon, following their 2-0 win over The Gambia.
How many points does Ivory Coast have in the World Cup qualifiers after this match?
The details about the specific number of points weren’t mentioned in the text. However, Ivory Coast had previously beaten Seychelles and won against The Gambia, indicating they have won both matches played so far.
How does the African World Cup qualifying work for the 2026 tournament?
African World Cup qualifying for the 2026 tournament involves multiple groups, with the winners of each group securing a place in the finals. Africa has nine guaranteed qualifiers for the 2026 finals.
More about 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Africa
- 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
- Ivory Coast National Football Team
- African Football Confederations
- FIFA World Cup Qualifying Rules
- Group F Standings and Results
- Christian Kouame Player Profile
- Seko Fofana’s Career Highlights
4 comments
honestly, the competition in African qualifiers is so underrated, these teams are showing some serious skills, great coverage btw.
Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau also doing great, African football is just getting better and better, can’t wait for the World cup.
seko fofana’s strike was insane, what a hit man, these guys are top of their game.
Wow, Ivory Coast is on fire this season, totally smashed it against The Gambia, Kouame’s goal was epic!!