AFCON 2027 qualifiers - Côte d’Ivoire vs Ghana: Renard opts for continuity, a reshuffled XI for Queiroz

24.09.26 15:00 AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Ivory Coast

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Ghana

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Côte d’Ivoire begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign by hosting Ghana in a top-level clash. Quite simply, the two favourites in Group C will face each other in their opening match of the competition.

This first-day Group C encounter in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers will take place on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. GMT.

What will Hervé Renard’s first XI look like?

Back at the helm of the Elephants, whom he coached between June 2014 and May 2015, Hervé Renard will be looking to make a successful start against the Black Stars.

For his first starting XI, he is not expected to make many changes to the system used by his predecessor Emerse Faé, with experienced players such as Franck Kessié and Nicolas Pépé set to feature.

Yahia Fofana should retain his place in goal. Kassoum Ouattara, Ousmane Diomandé, Evan Ndicka and Ghislain Konan would start in defence. Christ Inao Oulaï and Malick Yalcouyé are expected to support Franck Kessié in midfield. The new Merengue signing, Yan Diomande, would have the demanding task of leading the attack alongside Ange-Yoan Bonny and Nicolas Pépé.

A reshuffled XI for Carlos Queiroz

Forced to do without several key players, notably captain Jordan Ayew, as well as Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Kudus, Carlos Queiroz will field a reshuffled XI, but can nevertheless count on several returning players, including Nathaniel Adjei, Ibrahim Sulemana, Felix Afena-Gyan, Ibrahim Osman and Alexander Djiku.

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Benjamin Asare is expected in goal behind a back four made up of Alexander Djiku, Jerome Opoku, Jan Gyamerah and Gideon Mensah.

Caleb Yirenkyi, Kwasi Sibo and Augustine Boakye would start in midfield, while Issahaku Fatawu, Brandon Thomas-Asante and Ernest Nuamah, who has been performing well for Olympique Lyonnais, are expected to lead the line.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations