2027 AFCON Qualifiers: I am confident in Black Stars attacking power and skill - Carlos Queiroz

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz says the Black Stars possess the same attacking qualities as Côte d’Ivoire ahead of their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in Bouaké.

The Black Stars face the Elephants at the Stade de la Paix on Thursday, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 GMT.

Despite a number of key attacking players withdrawing from his squad ahead of the fixture, Queiroz remains confident his side can match the hosts going forward.

“Ivory Coast have players with a lot of power, creativity, skill and they like to play attacking football,” the 73-year-old said.

“I can say the same thing about these qualities for Ghana.”

The West African rivals begin their AFCON qualifying campaign with both sides aiming to secure an early advantage in Group C.

After the trip to Bouaké, Ghana will return home to host Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later.

The Black Stars are seeking a return to the Africa Cup of Nations after missing out on qualification for the 2025 tournament in Morocco.

That disappointment brought to an end Ghana’s streak of more than 20 years of consecutive appearances at the continental showpiece.

Queiroz's side will conclude the international window with a friendly against Morocco in Tangier on 4 October as preparations continue for the remainder of their AFCON qualifying campaign.