Ghana's Black Stars head coach, Carlos Queiroz, is optimistic about his team's chances in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ivory Coast, stating that the match has all the ingredients for an exciting encounter. Both teams possess quality players, which could lead to a memorable contest. The match is scheduled to take place at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on Thursday, September 23, 2026, at 7 pm Ghana time.
The fixture is one of the highly anticipated games in the opening round of the qualifiers, pitting two West African powerhouses against each other. Queiroz, who has returned for a second spell as Black Stars coach, played down comparisons between the two squads, insisting that Ghana can match the quality of their hosts. He emphasized that the occasion will be about more than just the result, highlighting the caliber of players expected to take the pitch.
Queiroz expects the fans to be the first winners of the game, as they will get to see great players on the pitch. The match carries the added weight of a West African rivalry, something Queiroz acknowledged ahead of his first competitive fixture since returning to the Black Stars. He noted that with the potential and passion of players on display, a great match is expected.
Côte d'Ivoire is also beginning a new phase under returning coach Hervé Renard, who has included eight newcomers in his squad for the opening qualifiers. Despite Ghana's preparations being disrupted by several player absences, Queiroz remains focused on performance rather than circumstances. He expressed his hope and trust that Ghana can be the best team on the day, which would give them a better chance of winning.
The Portuguese coach highlighted that in football, being the best team on the pitch gives a team more chances to win. He downplayed the significance of player absences and other disruptions, choosing to focus on the team's performance. The Black Stars will look to put on a strong show against their hosts.
The match against Ivory Coast is just the beginning of Ghana's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The Black Stars will return home after the Bouaké clash to face The Gambia on September 29, 2026, at the Accra Sports Stadium. This will be an opportunity for Queiroz's team to build on their performance and continue their quest for a spot in the tournament.
Queiroz's return to the Black Stars has generated significant interest, and his team's performance against Ivory Coast will be closely watched. The coach's experience and expertise will be crucial in navigating the challenges of the qualifiers. The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations promises to be an exciting tournament, and the encounter between Ghana and Ivory Coast is set to be one of its highlights.
Key points
- Carlos Queiroz believes Ghana can match the quality of Ivory Coast.
