The Gambia is in dicey group of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers as they are paired in Group A alongside Tunisia, Comoros, and Madagascar.
Aside the Carthage Eagles who are a bit ahead in terms of their pedigree on the continent, the three other teams are at par as they have not achieved anything substantial as far as the AFCON is concerned.
Tunisia, led by Fouzi Benzarti, is the team to watch in the Group as they are the bookmakers favourite. They reached quarterfinals four times between 2010 and 2023. They however fail to make it to the round of 16, three times, including the 2023 editions, which is something that might give the Coelacanths, the Bareas, and the scorpions a lifeline against the North Africans.
Madagascar have only lost once in 2024, registering two wins and holding Mali to a goalless draw. The Bareas reached the quarterfinals of the 2019 edition, together with the Comoros, who will be seeking their second ever appearance in the continent’s showpiece. They have proved to be a good side as they have conceded just two goals in four games in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Comoros is enjoying a slight lead in the World Cup qualifiers with 9 points after 4 matches, including the famous win against Ghana. They have scored 8 goals and only conceded 4 goals. Madagascar beat Comoros 2-1 back in June, while the Gambia beat Tunisia 1-0 in their last meeting. Making the meeting of these countries a crucial tie with revenge on the cards.
Will 10 points be enough for the Gambia?
The Gambia qualified for its second AFCON by finishing second behind Mali in a group that also had Congo and South Sudan.
In their debut appearance, they reached the quarterfinals before losing to Cameroon. The scorpions might need 11 points or 12 points to ensure qualification .
Currently, Gambia is an emerging force in African football. The country is benefiting from its great youth development which has seen many of the players playing their trade in Europe. The likes of Yankouba Minteh at Brighton is a perfect statement that the Scorpions are in the rise.
Gambian captain Omar Colley will however miss the Wednesday tie after completing his move from Besiktas to Greek side POAK. Colley, one of the most capped players, might be replaced by either Edrissa Ceesay or debutant Momodou Lion Njie. James Gomez, who missed the June fixtures, is back in the fold.
Ablie Jallow returns; the Metz playmaker absent always leaves the scorpions struggling; he provides technical and tactical depth that no other player gives; he will be a boast to the Jonathan McKnistry side. With both Assan Ceesay and Muhammed Badamoesi out, Ali will lead the attack if the Scots decide to play with a striker.
Les Coelacantes attack will be led by Ben El Fardou, who has scored in the last two World Cup qualifiers. Myziane Maolida and Youssouf Yacoub are all available for contention.
The Comoros vs Gambia tie is a dicey one. The Islanders have not lost a game in Maroni in one and half years. Their last defeat was a 2-0 defeat in the hands of Cote D’Ivoire on March 28, 2023 in an AFCON qualifier. The Scorpions must be at their best to get a good results away from home.
It will generally be a great game but the team which remains resolute at the back and take their chances will amass the three maximum points at stake.
