Ivory Coast’s commanding early position in AFCON 2027 Group C stems from a perfect two-match start, including clean-sheet victories over Ghana and Somalia, combined with superior squad depth and recent continental pedigree as defending champions. Traders price the Elephants at 90.5% to top the four-team section because their attacking options and defensive organization outclass the rest of the group on paper. Gambia sits second on results but trails significantly in market-implied probability due to inconsistent historical form. Ghana’s winless opening and Somalia’s defensive frailties further reinforce the gap. Late injuries to key Ivory Coast personnel or unexpected results in the November and March windows against Gambia could still alter the outcome, though such paths remain narrow given the talent disparity.