AFCON qualifier: Gambia entertain Congo’s challenge at Stade de Marrakech

With a place in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on the line, Gambia entertain the challenge of Congo at Stade de Marrakech on Sunday night.

The teams are currently separated by just three points in Group G heading into this weekend’s contest which promises to be an enthralling affair.

Gambia picked up a second win on the bounce as they saw off the threat of South Sudan thanks to a thrilling 3-2 victory at the Juba Stadium on June 14.

Tom Saintfiet’s men led 1-0 and 2-1 through a Rehan Angier own goal and Ablie Jallow’s strike but were pegged back on either occasion by Valentino Yuel and Peter Chol before Hamza Barry grabbed the winner in second-half stoppage time.

As a result, the Scorpions have moved up to second place in their qualifying group with nine points from five games, three points behind leaders Mali.

Awaiting them next is the task of facing off against an opposing outfit with little to choose between the teams judging from the previous two meetings, which have yielded one win apiece.

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Currently on a run of three straight home victories without conceding a single goal, Sunday’s hosts now go in search of a much-needed triumph if they are to keep their AFCON dream alive.

Congo were beaten in front of their fans for the second game running in a 2-0 defeat against Mali at Stade Alphonse Massemba-Debat on June 18.

Off the back of a relatively uneventful opening period, second-half goals from Ibrahima Kone and Dorgeles Nene put Paul Put’s men to the sword.

With six points picked up from five matches, Les Diables Rouges currently sit third in Group G, three points behind this weekend’s opponents.

Having recently picked up a first away victory in 10 outings, Sunday’s visitors set out to secure consecutive wins on the road for the first time since 2018.

Hamza Barry’s first goal for Gambia proved to be the decisive moment against South Sudan last time out, and the midfielder could be rewarded with a rare start here.

Musa Barrow remains out of contention for the hosts due to a knee injury which he suffered in a pre-season friendly for Bologna against Palermo.

Antoine Makoumbou’s only strike for Congo came in the last meeting between Saturday’s opponents and the 25-year-old will be looking to deliver the goods once again.

Will Hondermarck and Alain Ipiele are on course to make their international debuts having both been called up to the senior squad for the first time ever.

Gambia possible starting lineup:
Gaye; Touray, Colley, Gomez, Sanneh; Marreh, Jallow, Adams; Ceesay, Colley, Badamosi

Congo possible starting lineup:
Ndzila; Mazikou, Andzouana, Ondongo, Biatoumoussoka; Makoumbou, Ossete, Bifouma; Mboungou, Charpentier, Mbenza