Gambia boss Johnathan McKinstry has expressed excitement after the draw for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers placed Gambia in a challenging Group C alongside continental heavyweights Ghana and Ivory Coast, as well as Somalia.
The draw, held in Cairo on Tuesday, set up a tough path for the Scorpions, but McKinstry insisted his players are eager for the challenge and believe they can compete with some of Africa’s strongest nations.
“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. “Cote 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 coach pointed to Gambia’s recent performances against top African sides as a source of confidence. He recalled their narrow defeat to Ivory Coast in Abidjan just 12 months ago, where the Elephants’ goalkeeper was named Man of the Match.
“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 added. “That performance showed the level we can reach when we are focused, organised, and brave.”
Ghana enter the qualifiers, seeking to bounce back after failing to secure a place at the 2025 tournament in Morocco. The four-time African champions will face significant pressure to return to the finals.
Ivory Coast, one of Africa’s strongest sides, are widely expected to be among the favourites to progress from the group. Somalia complete the section, and, although viewed as outsiders, McKinstry warned they would provide determined opposition.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals will be staged across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, marking a historic co-hosting arrangement for East Africa. Qualifying matches are scheduled to begin in September 2026.
