The Stade Bouake is set to witness a crucial Group D encounter in the Africa Cup of Nations as Gambia and Cameroon go head-to-head on Tuesday.
While Gambia is on the brink of elimination from the tournament, Cameroon still has a chance to advance.
Match Preview:
Gambia’s hopes in the AFCON 2023 have taken a hit with back-to-back defeats. Their most recent loss came at the hands of Guinea’s National Elephants in a Group F match, where they suffered a 1-0 defeat.
Despite registering seven attempts on goal, the Scorpions failed to find the equalizer and are yet to score a goal in the tournament.
Their final group game against Cameroon offers a slim chance for redemption. However, history does not favor Gambia, as they have lost all three of their previous encounters with the Indomitable Lions, including their last meeting in the knockout stage of the 2022 AFCON tournament.
Cameroon started their AFCON campaign with a 1-1 draw against Guinea but faced a 3-1 defeat against Senegal in their second match.
With just one point from two games, Cameroon now finds themselves in a must-win situation against Gambia to secure a spot in the knockout stage.
Gambia’s recent form in the Africa Cup of Nations has been disappointing, with two consecutive defeats in Group F. In their overall form across all competitions, they have managed one win, one draw, and five losses.
On the other hand, Cameroon’s form in the AFCON has been underwhelming as well, with a draw and a defeat in their two group stage matches.
In their recent performances in all competitions, they have recorded one win, two draws, and three losses.
Team News:
Gambia will have Ebou Adams back in the starting lineup after he missed their last match due to a red card received against Senegal.
Coach Tom Saintfiet might consider making changes in the attack to bolster their goal-scoring efforts, potentially including Ali Sowe alongside Alieu Fadera and Musa Barrow.
Cameroon is hopeful that Vincent Aboubakar will return for the final group game to provide an attacking spark. He had suffered an injury in training before their opening match.
Andre Onana, who missed the first match, was in goal for their second game and is expected to retain his spot.
Possible Lineups:
Gambia: (4-3-2-1)
Gaye;
Janko, Gomez, Colley, Touray;
Manneh, Marr, Darboe;
Fadera, Barrow;
Sowe
Cameroon: (4-3-3)
Onana;
Yongwa, Wooh, Moukoudi, Castelletto;
Anguissa, Kemen, Ntcham;
Koudou, Ekambi, Magri
Prediction: Gambia 0-1 Cameroon
Although Gambia will put up a fight, Cameroon’s superior quality is likely to make the difference. While the Indomitable Lions have struggled to create high-quality chances in the tournament so far, they are expected to have enough firepower to overcome the Scorpions.
