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Rivalry Renewed: Black Stars Face Elephants
24 Sep
Summary
- Ghana and Ivory Coast begin 2027 AFCON qualifiers today.
- Hervé Renard leads a revamped Côte d'Ivoire squad.
- Ghana faces squad changes due to player withdrawals.
Two West African football powerhouses, Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, are set to kick off their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaigns on Thursday, September 24, 2026. The Group C opener in Bouaké is a significant fixture, with both nations aiming to make a strong start in their six-match journey.
Côte d'Ivoire welcomes back French coach Hervé Renard for his second tenure. He has integrated eight new players into a 25-man squad, blending experience with emerging talent like Franck Kessié. Renard anticipates a tightly contested match decided by fine margins.
Ghana, managed by Carlos Queiroz, faces challenges with several player withdrawals and injuries, notably Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, and captain Jordan Ayew. This situation elevates the expected role of players such as Fatawu Issahaku and Brandon Thomas-Asante.
Queiroz acknowledges similarities in playing styles between the two teams, highlighting power, creativity, and attacking flair. The midfield battle is expected to be crucial, with Côte d'Ivoire aiming for control through physicality and Ghana looking to leverage energy and attacking creativity.
This crucial opening match is vital for both teams' qualification hopes. A victory would provide a significant boost for new cycles under both coaches. Ultimately, discipline, midfield dominance, and individual brilliance are likely to determine the outcome of this intense encounter.
