Queiroz ready to give Ghanaâ??s young players chance against Ivory Coast

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz says the Black Stars' younger players have an opportunity to make their mark when they face Côte d’Ivoire in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Thursday.

With several experienced players unavailable for the trip to Bouake, Queiroz has included a number of younger players in his squad and believes they can play an important role in the team's plans.

The Portuguese coach said the current generation of young players must be given opportunities to gain experience and eventually become the senior figures of the national team.

“In the past, these experienced players were the young players of the past. Tomorrow, the young players will be the experienced players of the future,” Queiroz said at the pre-match conference.

He added that Ghana has a number of talented youngsters eager to establish themselves with the national team.

“There is always a generation of players to renew and refresh. We have a couple of great potential, great talent players. They are full of enthusiasm. They are looking for an opportunity to shine, to serve the national team,” he said.

Queiroz is confident the young players can contribute against the Elephants when given the opportunity.

“I am sure that with the talent that they have tomorrow, they can give a good contribution for the team,” he added.

Ghana have been forced to make several changes to their squad ahead of Thursday's game, with Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo and Jordan Ayew among the notable absentees.

The Black Stars will face Côte d’Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake before returning to Accra to host The Gambia on September 27.

The match will be Queiroz's first competitive game since returning for his second spell as Ghana coach after leading the Black Stars at the 2026 World Cup.

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