How to Watch: Gambia vs Somalia LIVE on beIN SPORTS

Gambia and Somalia begin their journey toward AFCON 2027 with a Group C clash at Independence Stadium. The Scorpions will look to make home advantage count, while Somalia aim to take another step toward their first-ever appearance at the continental tournament.

Watch Gambia vs Somalia LIVE on beIN SPORTS

Gambia vs. Somalia: How and Where to Watch LIVE

Gambia will host Somalia on Friday, September 25, at Independence Stadium in Bakau, in the opening round of the AFCON 2027 Qualifiers.

The match will kick off at 12:00 PM ET / 9:00 AM PT and will be available LIVE on beIN SPORTS, with streaming access through beIN SPORTS CONNECT in the United States.

How Gambia Arrive

Gambia begin their qualifying campaign under head coach Jonathan McKinstry, who named a 25-man squad for the opening matches against Somalia and Ghana.

The selection includes captain Omar Colley, alongside Ebrima Colley, Alieu Fadera, Adama Bojang and Mohammed Badamosi, among the attacking options available to the Scorpions.

However, Yankuba Minteh and Musa Barrow are expected to miss the opening encounter due to injuries.

The match will also mark an important occasion for Gambia, as the national team returns to play a competitive fixture at Independence Stadium following several years away from its home ground.

After facing Somalia, the Scorpions will travel to Accra to face Ghana on September 29 in their second Group C fixture.

How Somalia Arrive

Somalia enter the group stage after eliminating Mauritius in the preliminary round of the AFCON 2027 Qualifiers.

The Ocean Stars secured their place in the next stage following two goalless draws. After neither team managed to score over 180 minutes, Somalia prevailed 4-2 in the penalty shootout.

The result allowed the national team to continue its qualifying campaign and move closer to achieving a historic milestone.

Having never qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations finals, Somalia will look to begin their Group C campaign with a positive result against Gambia.

Following Friday's encounter, the Ocean Stars will host Ivory Coast on September 29 in their second qualifying match.

A Crucial Opening Match in Group C

Gambia and Somalia share Group C with Ivory Coast and Ghana, making their opening encounter an important opportunity to collect points before facing their other group rivals.

The top two teams in Group C will qualify for AFCON 2027, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027.

With six qualifying matches scheduled for each team, both nations will be looking to begin their campaigns with a positive result as they pursue a place at the continental tournament.