In a keenly anticipated fixture on matchday six of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers, Gambia and Congo still have the chance to qualify for next year’s showpiece when they do battle at Stade de Marrekech on Sunday night.
Kick-off is at 9:00pm (SA, GMT+2)
The Scorpions currently sit in second spot in group G and recorded three wins and two losses in the five matches played thus far.
Gambia head into their next game on the back of two consecutive victories against Mali and South Sudan. The abovementioned wins proved to be vital in their qualifying bid, especially after going on a two-match losing streak prior.
With The Scorpions accumulating nine points in second place, Congo currently sit in third spot with six points to their name.
As it stands, Gambia need just a point against Congo to secure qualification for the 2023 Afcon which will be hosted in Ivory Coast.
While Gambia are a point away from qualification, a win for Congo would be enough to book their passage into next year’s tournament, after beating Gambia in June last year.
As another twist in the storyline, the game will be played in Morocco as a result of Gambia’s home stadium being deemed unfit to host international matches.
Reflecting on the task at hand, Congo coach Paul Put took the motivational approach in rallying his troops ahead of the tie against Gambia.
“We are playing our qualification in this match. In football, qualification is not always won at the start of the competition, it can be won in the last match,” Put mentioned.
“You are capable of doing it, you just need to be motivated.
“When I see you playing in your clubs, I feel the motivation and the desire to play, but with Congo, I don't feel the same desire, the same fervor. And on this match, I ask you to give your all in order to take the qualification, you are capable of it.”