2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Black Stars must begin campaign with win over Ivory Coast - Carlos Queiroz

Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz says Ghana's immediate focus is securing victory against Côte d'Ivoire as they begin their quest to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The four-time African champions will open their Group C campaign with a difficult away fixture against Côte d'Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on 24 September before returning home to face The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later.

Ghana are aiming to return to the continental tournament after failing to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, and Queiroz insists his side must concentrate solely on the challenge ahead.

"There is always a new challenge. For me, the most important trophy at this moment is the next game, to win the next game," Queiroz told reporters in Accra on Monday.

"You cannot be on the top roof of Accra without climbing the steps of the building, and the steps for us now are to win the next game."

The Portuguese coach also confirmed nine additions to his squad following injury concerns involving Mohammed Kudus and Nathaniel Adjei, while Thomas Partey was left out because of a hamstring problem.

The new arrivals include defenders Jonas Adjetey of VfL Wolfsburg, OGC Nice's Alidu Seidu, Rapid Bucharest left-back Ebenezer Annan and Osasuna defender Rockson Yeboah.

Midfielder Rahim Ibrahim of Slovan Bratislava has also been drafted in, while forwards Brandon Thomas-Asante (Coventry City), Mohammed Fuseini (Derby County), Benjamin Tetteh (Kalba) and Felix Afena-Gyan (Igdir FK) complete the additions.

After their AFCON qualifying fixtures, Ghana will conclude the international window with a friendly against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October.