2027 AFCON Qualifiers: It's unfortunate we don't have our best players but we remain strong - Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz ahead of Ivory Coast test

Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz says Ghana remain a formidable side despite being without several key players ahead of Thursday's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Côte d'Ivoire.

The four-time African champions have been hit by a wave of withdrawals, with Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, Baba Rahman, Nathaniel Adjei and Alidu Seidu all unavailable through injury or personal reasons for the upcoming fixtures against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia.

However, Queiroz insists the absences have not diminished his confidence in the squad at his disposal as Ghana prepare to begin their Group C qualifying campaign against the reigning African champions in Bouaké.

"We don't like to see players injured. We love to see the best players on the pitch all the time. But sometimes it's not possible," Queiroz told reporters.

"So the most important players in our team are the ones who are here today. We are a strong team. We have a lot of potential. We have full confidence that the players we have called are ready to perform.

"What is possible, and what we need, is to be sure that we brought talented players, full of enthusiasm and great talents of Ghana."

The withdrawals have forced Queiroz to reshape his squad, with Brandon Thomas-Asante, Felix Afena-Gyan and Jonas Adjetey drafted in as replacements.

Rockson Yeboah and Rahim Ibrahim have also earned their first senior call-ups as the Portuguese coach looks to build a squad capable of securing a return to the AFCON finals after Ghana missed out on qualification for the 2025 tournament.

Following the clash against Côte d'Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix on Thursday, the Black Stars will host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later.

Ghana will then conclude the international window with a friendly against Morocco in Tangier on 4 October.