2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Cote d’Ivoire vs Ghana Group C match preview
by Ayeh Offei-Akoto · MyNewsGh.comCote d’Ivoire face Ghana in a big West African derby to open the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake on Thursday.
The Group C opener brings together two of West Africa’s biggest rivals, with both teams looking to start their qualification campaign with a positive result.
Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz, who led Egypt to the final of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, says Ghana did not travel to Bouake to take part in a friendly contest but to get a result.
The Portuguese coach arrived in Bouake on Wednesday with a mix of experienced players and young talents. He also stressed that the players available for the game are the ones Ghana must rely on.
Ghana will be without some key players because of injuries, but Queiroz believes his squad has the quality, energy and desire to compete.
“We have a lot of potential and we have full confidence that the players that we call to the national team are ready to perform. We didn’t come here for education or development. We came here to deliver,” Queiroz told the media during Wednesday’s pre-match press conference.
Ghana missed the previous AFCON and will be determined to qualify for the 2027 tournament. Queiroz described the failure to qualify as part of football and believes the team is now working to put things right.
Cote d’Ivoire will have home advantage and strong support at the Stade de la Paix. The Elephants have a talented squad with players who are strong, creative and comfortable playing attacking football.
The 2023 AFCON champions will hope to use their home support to secure a good start in Bouake.
Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire have a long history of close matches, from AFCON games to World Cup qualifiers. Their meetings are often physical and competitive, and Thursday’s match is expected to be no different.
Queiroz expects another tight contest that could be decided by the quality of both teams in front of goal.
“It will be a very, very tight game. We understand it’s a local derby when Cote d’Ivoire plays against Ghana and Ghana against Cote d’Ivoire. The fans will be the first winners tomorrow because they will enjoy great players on the pitch,” he said.
Ghana will aim to stay organised in defence, move quickly when attacking and take its chances, while Cote d’Ivoire will look to control possession and attack through the wide areas.
Ghana will then return home to face The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium as they continue their Group C campaign.
Kick-off: Thursday, September 24, 2026, 19:00 GMT
Venue: Stade de la Paix, Bouake
Competition: 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier, Group C, Matchday 1
Source: MyNewsGh.com
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