The Scorpions drew 3-3 with Kenya prior to their match with the Ivoirians, who beat Burundi 1-0.
The Gambia needed the maximum points against Ivory Coast to put their global biggest football showpiece qualification aspirations on track.
The Ivoirians dominated The Gambia in the midfield and created goal scoring opportunities.
Striker Sebastian Haller gave Ivory Coast the lead in the 15th minute of the match from an astounding header, which eventually proved to be the winner for the Ivoirians.
The Gambia reacted quickly for an equaliser but to no avail thus the first half ended 1-0 in favour of Ivory Coast.
Upon resumption of the match, The Gambia organised themselves and dominated the match, creating goal scoring opportunities.
Alieu Fadera could have levelled matters for The Gambia twice in the second half but his shots went away thus the match ended 1-0 in favour of Ivory Coast.
The Gambia still occupy second-place from bottom in Group F of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with 4 points after six qualifier matches.
Ivory Coast sit top-spot in Group F of the global biggest football showpiece qualifiers with 16 points in six qualifier outings.
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