Cote d'Ivoire face Ghana in a titanic West African derby to kick off the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake on Thursday. The Group C opener brings together two of the continent's biggest rivals, with both sides eager to start the qualification campaign on a positive note.
Black Stars Head Coach Carlos Queiroz, who led Egypt to the final of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, says his side did not come to Bouake to walk in the park but to deliver. The Portuguese trainer arrived in Bouake on Wednesday morning with a blend of experienced players and exciting young talents, insisting that the most important players are those who are available.
Ghana will be without some key players due to injury, but Queiroz is confident the squad he has assembled has the quality, enthusiasm and hunger to compete.
"We have a lot of potential and we have full confidence that the players that we call to the national team are ready to perform. We didn't come here for education or development. We came here to deliver," Queiroz told the media during Wednesday's pre-match press conference.
For Ghana, qualification for the 2027 AFCON is non-negotiable after missing out on the previous edition. Queiroz described that setback not as trauma, but as part of football, and says the team is now on the right track to correct it.
Former African champions Cote d'Ivoire will be playing at home in front of a packed Stade de la Paix. The Elephants boast a squad full of skillful, powerful and creative players who love to play attacking football. The Ivoirians, who won the 2023 AFCON on home soil, will be looking to use home advantage in Bouake where they enjoy massive support. Ghana vs Cote d'Ivoire remains one of Africa's great rivalries. From AFCON finals to World Cup qualifiers, matches between the two neighbours are always tight, physical and full of passion. Thursday's encounter will be no different - a local derby with continental pride at stake.
Queiroz anticipates a very tight game decided by inspiration and efficiency on the pitch.
"It will be a very, very tight game. We understand it's a local derby when Cote d'Ivoire plays against Ghana and Ghana against Cote d'Ivoire. The fans will be the first winners tomorrow because they will enjoy great players on the pitch," he said.
Ghana will look to be compact defensively, quick in transition and clinical upfront, while Cote d'Ivoire will aim to dominate possession and use their wide areas. Ghana is in Group C of the qualifiers and will be seeking to get off to a flying start in Bouake before returning home to face The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Kick-off: Thursday, September 24, 2026 - 19:00 GMT
Venue: Stade de la Paix, Bouake
Competition: 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier - Group C, Matchday 1
GFA COMMUNICATIONS