Gambia head coach Johnathan McKinstry has welcomed the challenge awaiting his side following the draw for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, insisting the Scorpions are eager to test themselves against some of Africa’s strongest teams.
The draw, conducted in Cairo on Tuesday, placed Gambia in a difficult Group C alongside African heavyweights Ghana national football team and Ivory Coast national football team, with Somalia completing the group.
Despite facing two former AFCON champions, McKinstry expressed optimism, describing the group as an opportunity rather than a setback.
“We are very excited by the draw. Group C is a fantastic group and, of course, we know the level of challenge ahead of us,” McKinstry said.
“Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana are two of Africa’s elite teams, while Somalia will also be highly motivated and competitive throughout the qualifying series.”
The Northern Irish tactician believes Gambia’s recent performances against top opposition have strengthened the squad’s confidence ahead of the qualifiers.
McKinstry referenced Gambia’s previous encounter with Côte d’Ivoire in Abidjan, where the Scorpions produced a spirited display despite narrowly missing out on a positive result.
“But as we have shown before, when The Gambia goes up against the top teams on the continent, our players rise to the occasion,” he said.
“We played Côte d’Ivoire in Abidjan only 12 months ago and were extremely unfortunate not to come away with a result, with their goalkeeper named Man of the Match. That performance showed the level we can reach when we are focused, organised, and brave.”
Gambia will be aiming to secure consecutive AFCON appearances after encouraging showings in recent tournaments and qualifying campaigns.
For Ghana, the qualifiers present a chance for redemption following the disappointment of missing out on the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco.
Ivory Coast head into the campaign as one of the continent’s strongest sides and are widely tipped to progress from the group.
Somalia, regarded as outsiders, complete the quartet, although McKinstry warned against underestimating their potential impact.
The 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign is scheduled to begin in September 2026, with only the top two teams from each group advancing to the finals.
The tournament will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, marking a historic co-hosting arrangement in East Africa.
