2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Black Stars must win opening games against Ivory Coast and Gambia - Kofi Adams

Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Iddie Adams says he remains confident the Black Stars can make a positive start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign despite being without several key players.

Ghana face a difficult opening assignment against Côte d’Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on Thursday before returning home to host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz has been forced to reshuffle his squad after a number of players withdrew through injury, prompting several late call-ups ahead of the two Group C fixtures.

Despite the setbacks, Adams believes the players available have the quality and determination to secure favourable results and put Ghana on course for qualification.

“We are hoping that on the 24th of this month, when we go to Bouake, we are either drawing or getting all three points, and against The Gambia on the 29th to get all three points,” Adams told Max TV.

The Black Stars are aiming to bounce back after failing to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, where they finished bottom of their qualifying group.

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