France, March 21 -- Cote d'Ivoire head coach Emerse Fae warned his squad to maintain their focus as they search for six points over the next five days in 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Gambia.

Fae's charges go into Friday night's match in Meknes against Burundi in second place in Group F with 10 points following Gabon's 3-0 win against Seychelles on Thursday night in Franceville which took them two points clear of the African champions.

Burundi and next Tuesday's adversaries, Gambia, are respectively ranked 93 and 79 places below the Ivorians.

Despite the disparity, Fae said his men should not take victory for granted.

"We have to play seriously and come out with our heads held high," added the former Ivorian internatio...