Gambia coach Johnathan McKinstry sends warning after AFCON 2027 draw with Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire

Johnathan McKinstry says Gambia are excited by the challenge of facing Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after Tuesday’s draw in Cairo.

The Scorpions were drawn in a difficult Group C alongside former champions the Black Stars and Cote d'Ivoire and Somalia as the race for qualification to the continental showpiece begins later this year.

Reacting to the draw, McKinstry described the group as one of the most competitive in the qualifiers but expressed confidence in his side’s ability to compete against Africa’s elite 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 Northern Irish tactician believes Gambia have already shown they can compete with top opposition after their strong display against Cote d'Ivoire in Abidjan during the previous qualifying campaign.

"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.

"We played Cote 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 another AFCON appearance after impressing in recent continental campaigns, while Ghana are hoping to bounce back strongly after failing to qualify for the 2025 tournament in Morocco.

The qualifiers will begin in September 2026, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the finals, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in 2027.