Gambia will be hoping for a positive outcome in their final Group C match against Cameroon at the Stade Bouake in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) on Tuesday evening.
The stakes are high for Cameroon who will need nothing less than a win to qualify for the next round of the tournament.
As for Gambia they will be playing mostly for pride having already lost their first two group stage matches against Senegal and Guinea respectively.
Kick-off is at 7pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).
CURRENT FORM
The Scorpions are currently on a low having lost their first two group encounters in the 2023 Afcon.
Tom Saintfiet’s side will be playing for their dignity in their final group encounter as the chances of qualifying for the next round are slim.
Cameroon drew their first match against Guinea and succumbed to a 3-1 loss against current champions Senegal last week.
A win is an absolute must for the Indomitable Lions who have won the tournament five times before.
TEAM NEWS
Gambia’s Ebou Adams is expected to be back in the starting line-up after having served his suspension after he was sent off in their first match against Senegal.
Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana is also most likely to retain his spot between the sticks despite missing the nation’s first match due to honouring a Manchester United fixture.
WHAT WAS SAID?
Following the Indomitable Lions' defeat to Senegal, goalkeeper Onana came under fire for his performance between the sticks and head coach Rigobert Song defended him.
The coach also spoke about the result against the Teranga Lions.
“We must recognise that Senegal was better than us. The next match we will win and qualify for the next round,” he said following the defeat.
Despite facing two defeats in the Afcon so far, Gambia head coach Tom Saintfiet refuses to throw in the towel and still hopes that his players will pull off a huge upset to reach the knockout stages of the competition.
"We're still alive, the situation just got more complicated. We can still qualify with three points in our next game," he insisted.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Ali Sowe: The Gambian will be key in the Scorpion's attack as the team are yet to register a goal in the 2023 edition of the Afcon.
Vincent Aboubakar: Cameroon will be hopeful that the attacker will be available for selection in their final group match. He will be crucial in terms of goals should he be declared fit to start.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The two nations have played against each other a total of three times. Cameroon have won each fixture that they’ve played against Gambia.