Ghana will kick off their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Ivory Coast at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on Thursday. The Black Stars, led by coach Carlos Queiroz, are looking to bounce back from a disappointing failure to reach the 2025 tournament, where they finished bottom of their group with three defeats and three draws. This match marks a crucial start to their qualifying campaign. Ivory Coast, under new coach Hervé Renard, will look to continue their strong form.
Ivory Coast, the defending continental heavyweights, begin a new era under Renard, who returns to lead the Elephants 11 years after guiding them to the 2015 AFCON title. During his first spell, Ivory Coast lifted their second continental crown after a 23-year wait. Since then, they claimed a third AFCON title on home soil in 2023 under Emerse Fae. Renard's return comes after Fae's contract was not renewed, paving the way for the Frenchman's comeback. Expectations are high for Renard to steer the team towards a fourth African title.
Queiroz faces an immediate challenge without several high-profile players, including captain Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, Mohammed Kudus, Alidu Seidu, and Prince Adu Kwabena, who all withdrew from the squad. Kudus' absence comes after his recent return from a lengthy hamstring injury. Despite the setbacks, Queiroz has recalled experienced defender Alexander Djiku, alongside Nathaniel Adjei, Ibrahim Sulemana, Felix Afena-Gyan, and Ibrahim Osman. The Portuguese coach will look to rebuild a side desperate to restore confidence.
The hosts, Ivory Coast, will be without forwards Evann Guessand and Omar Diakite, while injured Manchester United winger Amad Diallo is also unavailable. However, they still possess an experienced spine featuring goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, centre-back Ousmane Diomande, and captain Franck Kessie. Sébastien Haller is absent, and Yan Diomande is expected to play a leading role in attack. For Ghana, Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare is expected to start behind a defence featuring Djiku, Adjetey, and Gideon Mensah.
Recent form suggests Ivory Coast are in good shape, having won three of their last five matches. In contrast, Ghana enter the fixture on a two-match losing streak. The last meeting between the sides ended in a goalless draw. The predicted line-ups for both teams have been announced, with Ivory Coast starting with Fofana, Doue, Koussounou, Diomande, and Konan in defence.
The match will be a significant test for Queiroz's organised and disciplined approach, as he looks to frustrate one of Africa's strongest teams away from home. With high-profile withdrawals, Queiroz will need to rely on his remaining players to deliver a strong performance. The 73-year-old coach will hope his team's defensive solidity can help them secure a positive result.
The 2027 AFCON finals are set to take place in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, and both teams will be eager to make a strong start to their qualifying campaign. With a tough match ahead, the outcome will likely have significant implications for their chances of progressing to the tournament. The match is expected to be a closely contested encounter between two West African rivals.
Key points
- Ghana face a tough test against Ivory Coast in their 2027 AFCON qualifier
- Ivory Coast are looking to continue their strong form under new coach Hervé Renard
- Ghana's coach Carlos Queiroz faces a challenging match without several high-profile players
