Ghana's national football team, the Black Stars, has arrived in Bouake, Côte d'Ivoire, ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the host nation. The team departed Accra on Wednesday morning and arrived in Bouake later that day. This marks the beginning of their campaign in Group C, where they will also face The Gambia and Somalia. The Black Stars are seeking a positive result away from home to kick-start their qualifying campaign.
The Black Stars have been preparing for the match with a training session at the Accra Sports Stadium before traveling to Côte d'Ivoire. Eighteen players participated in Tuesday's training session as the squad continues to take shape following several withdrawals and late additions. The team has been hit by absences, with key players like Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, and Nathaniel Adjei unavailable for selection.
In response to the absences, coach Carlos Queiroz has called up additional players, including Rockson Yeboah, a 23-year-old defender from Osasuna. Yeboah has earned his first senior call-up after making three La Liga appearances for the Spanish club this season. The team's final training session will be held at the Stade de la Paix, the match venue, giving Queiroz an opportunity to assess his players and finalize his plans.
The Black Stars are aiming to bounce back after missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Thursday's fixture against Côte d'Ivoire will mark their first competitive game in the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign. The team has been drawn in Group C alongside Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, and Somalia. A positive result in Bouake will be crucial for their campaign.
After the match against Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana will return home to face The Gambia on September 29. This will be Queiroz's latest assignment with the Black Stars, and he will be looking to make a strong start. The team's performance in the qualifiers will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
The Black Stars have a challenging task ahead of them, but they are determined to make a strong impression in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. With a new crop of players and a fresh approach, the team is looking to make a positive impact. The match against Côte d'Ivoire will be a crucial test of their skills and strategy.
The article was written by Mandela Yaw Anuvabe, a journalist and sports writer with 3Sports under Media General. He has a knack for telling intriguing feature stories and was recently recognized for his writing, finishing fifth in Africa in the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) Awards Young Reporters Writing category.
Key points
- The Black Stars have arrived in Bouake for their 2027 AFCON qualifier against Côte d'Ivoire.
- The team has been hit by several absences, including key players like Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo.
- Coach Carlos Queiroz has called up additional players, including Rockson Yeboah, to bolster the squad.
