2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Ghana will beat Ivory Coast in return encounter, says Carlos Queiroz

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz says he is confident the Black Stars will defeat Ivory Coast when the two sides meet again in the return fixture of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Portuguese coach made the remarks after Ghana suffered a 2-0 defeat to the Elephants in their Group C opener at the Stade de Bouaké on Thursday.

Goals from Malick Yalcouye and former AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie in either half secured victory for the reigning African champions, handing Ghana a disappointing start to their qualifying campaign.

Despite the setback, Queiroz remained upbeat about his team's chances of gaining revenge in the reverse fixture, which is expected to be played at the Accra Sports Stadium.

"When Ivory Coast comes to Ghana, with all due respect, it will be our turn to win," Queiroz told reporters after the match.

"So the score, as you said now, is 16–15, right? So in a couple of months it will be 16–16. I have no doubt about that, that we are going to win that game."

The defeat leaves Ghana at the foot of Group C after the opening round of fixtures, increasing the importance of their next qualifier as they seek to revive their campaign.

The Black Stars will now shift their focus to their second group match on Tuesday, September 29, as they continue their bid to secure a place at the 2027 AFCON tournament.

Ghana are aiming to return to the continental showpiece after failing to qualify for the 2025 edition in Morocco, marking the first time in more than two decades that they missed out on the competition.