Ghana will kick off their bid to return to the Africa Cup of Nations when they face regional rivals Ivory Coast at the Bouake Stadium on Thursday in a high-profile Group qualifier.
The Black Stars are determined to avoid missing back-to-back AFCON tournaments after their shocking failure to qualify for the 2025 edition. Thursday’s clash also marks Carlos Queiroz’s first competitive game in charge as he looks to guide the four-time African champions back to the continent’s biggest stage.
Match Preview
Ivory Coast enter the fixture under the guidance of returning head coach Herve Renard, who famously led the Elephants to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations title. The French tactician has been tasked with restoring the nation to continental dominance after replacing Emerse Fae.
Renard inherits a talented squad that won the 2023 AFCON on home soil before falling short in their title defence. The Elephants also reached the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup under Fae, reinforcing their status as one of Africa’s strongest teams.
Now back in charge, Renard’s immediate objective is to secure qualification for the 2027 tournament in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda while laying the foundation for another title challenge.
For Ghana, the campaign represents an opportunity to erase the disappointment of their previous qualifying campaign. The Black Stars finished bottom of a group containing Angola, Sudan and Niger after failing to win any of their six matches, ending with three draws and three defeats.
Carlos Queiroz has been appointed to revive the national team, bringing his vast international experience and tactical discipline. However, his first assignment could hardly be tougher as Ghana travel to Bouake to face one of Africa’s strongest sides.
The Portuguese coach will also have to cope without several influential players, making the opening qualifier an even bigger challenge.
Recent Form
Ivory Coast (all competitions): W-W-W-L-W-L
Ghana (all competitions): L-D-W-D-L-L
Team News
Ivory Coast have omitted forwards Evann Guessand and Omar Diakite from Renard’s first squad since his return. However, the Elephants still boast a formidable spine featuring goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, defender Ousmane Diomande and midfielder Franck Kessie.
Manchester United winger Amad Diallo misses out through injury, while Yan Diomande is expected to spearhead the attack.
Ghana have suffered several major setbacks ahead of the encounter, with captain Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Kudus all withdrawing from the squad.
Kudus is continuing his recovery after recently returning from a long-term hamstring injury that ruled him out of the latter part of last season and the FIFA World Cup.
There is better news for the Black Stars with Alexander Djiku, Nathaniel Adjei, Ibrahim Sulemana, Felix Afena-Gyan and Ibrahim Osman returning to the squad.
Possible Starting XIs
Ivory Coast: Fofana; Doue, Koussounou, Diomande, Konan; Kessie, Sangare, Inao; Pepe, Bonny, Yan Diomande.
Ghana: Benjamin Asare; Oppong, Adjetey, Opoku, Mensah; Caleb Yirenkyi, Kwasi Sibo, Donkor; Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Ernest Nuamah.
Prediction
Playing at home with an experienced coach back on the touchline, Ivory Coast start as favourites. Ghana’s injury-enforced absences reduce their attacking threat, although Queiroz’s side should remain organised and difficult to break down.
Prediction: Ivory Coast 2-1 Ghana.
