2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Carlos Queiroz urges Black Stars to match Africa's elite ahead of Ivory Coast and Gambia games

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has challenged the Black Stars to embrace the standards set by Africa's leading teams as they prepare to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The four-time African champions face a daunting start to Group C, travelling to Côte d'Ivoire on 24 September before hosting The Gambia three days later, with a friendly against Morocco to follow in October.

Speaking to Ghana FA media after announcing his 24-man squad, Queiroz said his side must recognise the level required to compete with the continent's strongest nations.

"Everyone knows the level of competition we face," the 73-year-old said.

"When we look at some of the national teams currently at the top of African football, we see established sides, built over time, with many of their best players competing regularly at the highest level in Europe, including the Champions League.

"That is the competitive reality we must recognise and the level we must pursue."

Ghana's qualifying campaign begins with one of the most demanding fixtures in the group, as they face reigning African champions Côte d'Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on 24 September.

Three days later, the Black Stars return home to take on The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium, where they will look to build momentum in their bid to secure a place at the 2027 finals.

The September international window concludes with another major test when Ghana travel to Tangier to face Morocco in a friendly at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October.

Queiroz is overseeing the next phase of Ghana's rebuilding process after taking charge earlier this year, with the experienced Portuguese coach tasked with restoring the Black Stars as one of Africa's leading national teams.