2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Ivory Coast's quality does not scare me, says Ghana midfielder Kwasi Sibo

Black Stars midfielder Kwasi Sibo insists Ghana are not intimidated by Côte d’Ivoire as they prepare to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Ghana open their Group C campaign with a challenging away fixture against the Elephants at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on 24 September before hosting The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Sibo acknowledged the strength of the Ivorian squad but expressed confidence in Ghana's ability to compete on equal terms.

“It doesn't scare me as a player, and we all know the opponents in front of us,” he said.

“They are a very good nation; they have good individual quality players. We know them, but I feel like we also have quality players that we can match them, and we are ready for that match.”

The midfielder believes the Black Stars have the talent and mentality required to secure a positive result against the African champions as they seek a strong start to the qualification campaign.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz will be hoping to build early momentum in the group as Ghana target a return to the continental tournament after missing out on qualification for the previous AFCON.

Following the qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, the Black Stars will conclude the international window with a friendly against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October.