Ivory Coast and Gambia sit atop Group C after both secured maximum points from their opening two AFCON 2027 qualifiers, with the Elephants holding a narrow edge on goal difference following 2-0 wins over Ghana and Somalia alongside Gambia’s 2-1 victory against Somalia and 4-2 defeat of Ghana. Ivory Coast’s superior squad depth, recent continental pedigree as defending champions, and clinical finishing in limited opportunities have anchored trader consensus around an 81.5% implied probability for them to top the group. Gambia’s attacking output and defensive organization have kept them competitive at 14.2%, while Ghana’s poor starts—marked by defensive lapses and failure to register shots on target in their opener—have compressed their chances to 4.3%. Somalia remain heavy underdogs at 0.5% after conceding four goals across two matches. The November double-header, headlined by the direct clash between Ivory Coast and Gambia, will shape whether the current hierarchy holds or shifts based on form and rotation.