2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Ghana v Ivory Coast preview

Ghana begin their bid to avoid missing a second consecutive Africa Cup of Nations finals when they face defending continental heavyweights Ivory Coast in their opening 2027 AFCON qualifier on Thursday.

The West African rivals meet at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké, where Carlos Queiroz takes charge of his first competitive match as Black Stars coach amid a wave of high-profile withdrawals that have left his squad depleted.

For Ghana, the match marks the start of a crucial qualifying campaign after the shock failure to reach the 2025 tournament, when they finished bottom of a group containing Angola, Sudan and Niger with three defeats and three draws.

Ivory Coast, meanwhile, begin a new era under Hervé Renard, who has returned to lead the Elephants 11 years after guiding them to the 2015 AFCON title in Equatorial Guinea.

• Renard returns for another chapter

Renard's first spell ended with Ivory Coast lifting their second continental crown after a 23-year wait.

Since then, the Elephants claimed a third AFCON title on home soil in 2023 under Emerse Fae, who took over during the tournament and orchestrated one of the competition's most remarkable triumphs.

Fae also led Ivory Coast to the knockout stage of the recent FIFA World Cup before their elimination by Norway in the round of 32, but his contract was not renewed, paving the way for Renard's return.

The Frenchman now begins another qualification campaign with expectations of steering the three-time champions towards a fourth African title at the 2027 finals in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

• Queiroz faces immediate test

Queiroz's first assignment could hardly be tougher.

The Portuguese coach arrives in Bouaké without several of Ghana's biggest names after captain Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, Mohammed Kudus, Alidu Seidu and Prince Adu Kwabena all withdrew from the squad.

Kudus' absence comes after his recent return from a lengthy hamstring injury that ruled him out of the second half of last season and the World Cup.

Despite the setbacks, Queiroz has recalled experienced defender Alexander Djiku alongside Nathaniel Adjei, Ibrahim Sulemana, Felix Afena-Gyan and Ibrahim Osman as he looks to rebuild a side desperate to restore confidence after recent disappointments.

Known for his organised and disciplined approach, the 73-year-old will hope those qualities can help Ghana frustrate one of Africa's strongest teams away from home.

• Team news

Ivory Coast's first squad under Renard omits forwards Evann Guessand and Omar Diakite, while injured Manchester United winger Amad Diallo is also unavailable.

The hosts still possess an experienced spine featuring goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, centre-back Ousmane Diomande and captain Franck Kessie, with Sébastien Haller absent and Yan Diomande expected to play a leading role in attack.

For Ghana, Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare is expected to start behind a defence featuring Djiku, Adjetey and Gideon Mensah, while Brandon Thomas-Asante could spearhead the attack alongside Ernest Nuamah and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku.

Recent form

• Ivory Coast (all competitions): W-W-W-L-W-L
• Ghana (all competitions): L-D-W-D-L-L

Match facts

• Ivory Coast have won three of their last five matches.
• Ghana enter the fixture on a two-match losing streak.
• The last meeting between the sides ended in a goalless draw.

Predicted line-ups

• Ivory Coast: Fofana; Doue, Koussounou, Diomande, Konan; Kessie, Sangare, Inao; Pepe, Bonny, Yan Diomande.
• Ghana: Asare; Oppong, Djiku, Adjetey, Mensah; Yirenkyi, Sibo, Donkor; Issahaku, Thomas-Asante, Nuamah.