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The Ivorians are looking to qualify for their third World Cup in a row.
After failing at many Africa Cup of Nations tournaments since the 2006 edition, this World Cup capaign is seen as the last tournament where the so-called “golden generation” of Ivorian football will play together.
The 147th Fifa ranked Gambia have never qualified for a World Cup or Africa Cup of Nations before.
They are the lowest ranked nation in a Group E that also comprises of Morocco and Tanzania and are therefore seen as the whipping boys of the group.
Gambia succumbed to a 3-0 defeat to the Elephants in Abidjan in March.
The Scorpions have called sixteen foreign-based players to the squad this time.
The list includes former captain Mustapha Jarjue and compatriot Ebrima Sawaneh, both playing in the Belgian Pro League, who did not make the trip to Cote d’Ivoire in the reverse fixture.
Veteran goalkeeper Pa Dembo Touray also makes a return while star winger Sanna Nayssi has been included in coach Luciano Mancini’s side.
Cote d’Ivoire coach Sabri Lamouchi has again left out Ivorian star man Didier Drogba as he looks to improve on the ageing team.
It is the second time in succession that he has been overlooked after the 35-year-old striker struggled during this year’s Africa Cup of Nations and was then dropped for the match in March against Gambia.
Manchester City defender Kolo Toure has also been left out of the 26-man group.
Arsenal’s Gervinho has been included but will only be available for the qualifier against Tanzania next weekend after bagging two yellow cards from their two previous games. — BackpageTXT.
Online Reporter