Ghana begin their bid to return to the Africa Cup of Nations finals when they face three-time champions Ivory Coast in their opening 2027 qualifier in Bouaké on Thursday.
The Black Stars meet the Elephants at the Stade de la Paix in a difficult first assignment for new head coach Carlos Queiroz, who takes charge of his first competitive match with Ghana.
The visitors have also been hit by a number of withdrawals, with captain Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Alidu Seidu and Prince Kwabena Adu among those unavailable.
Ghana missed the 2025 AFCON finals after finishing bottom of their qualifying group, collecting three draws and three defeats against Angola, Sudan and Niger.
They will therefore be under pressure to make a positive start against an Ivory Coast side seeking to build on their recent success.
Renard begins second Ivory Coast spell
Hervé Renard returns to the Ivory Coast dugout 11 years after leading the Elephants to the 2015 AFCON title in Equatorial Guinea.
His first spell ended with Ivory Coast winning their second continental crown, ending a 23-year wait for the trophy.
The Elephants have since added a third AFCON title, winning on home soil in 2023 under Emerse Fae.
Fae guided Ivory Coast to the knockout stage of the most recent World Cup, but his contract was not renewed, opening the door for Renard’s return.
The Frenchman now begins another qualification campaign with the task of guiding the three-time champions towards the 2027 tournament in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Queiroz faces early test
Queiroz could hardly have asked for a more demanding competitive debut.
The 73-year-old Portuguese coach must prepare Ghana for an away match against one of Africa’s leading sides without several key players.
Kudus is among the notable absentees after recently returning from a lengthy hamstring injury, while Ayew and Semenyo are also unavailable.
Queiroz has responded by bringing in experienced defender Alexander Djiku, while Nathaniel Adjei, Ibrahim Sulemana, Felix Afena-Gyan and Ibrahim Osman are also expected to play important roles.
The former Portugal and Iran coach will look to impose the organisation and discipline that have characterised many of his teams as Ghana attempt to secure a positive result in Bouaké.
Team news
Ivory Coast will also be without several attacking options, with Evann Guessand and Omar Diakite left out and Manchester United winger Amad Diallo unavailable through injury.
Renard can nevertheless call on a strong core featuring goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, defender Ousmane Diomande and captain Franck Kessie.
With Sébastien Haller absent, Yan Diomande is expected to carry much of the attacking responsibility.
For Ghana, Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare is expected to start, with Djiku, Adjetey and Gideon Mensah forming part of the defensive line.
Brandon Thomas-Asante could lead the attack, with Ernest Nuamah and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku expected to provide support from the wide areas.
Recent form
Ivory Coast: W-W-W-L-W-L
Ghana: L-D-W-D-L-L
Match facts
- Ivory Coast have won three of their past five matches.
- Ghana head into the game on a two-match losing run.
- The last meeting between the two sides ended goalless.
Predicted line-ups
Ivory Coast: Fofana; Doue, Koussounou, Diomande, Konan; Kessie, Sangare, Inao; Pepe, Bonny, Yan Diomande.
Ghana: Asare; Oppong, Djiku, Adjetey, Mensah; Yirenkyi, Sibo, Donkor; Issahaku, Thomas-Asante, Nuamah.
