Cote dIvoire and Ghana begin 2027 AFCON qualifying with fierce Bouake derby

Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana meet in a heavyweight West African derby on Thursday as the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign begins at Stade de la Paix in Bouake.

The Group C opening fixture brings together two of Africa’s most established rivals, with both teams determined to secure an early advantage in the race for qualification.

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz, who guided Egypt to the final of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, said his team had travelled to Bouake with a clear ambition rather than merely to gain experience.

The Portuguese manager arrived in Bouake on Wednesday morning with a squad combining established internationals and promising young players. Although Ghana will be without several important players because of injuries, Queiroz said the available group had enough quality and motivation 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 reporters at Wednesday’s pre-match press conference.

Qualification is especially important for Ghana after they failed to reach the previous edition of the Africa Cup of Nations. Queiroz said that disappointment should be viewed as part of football rather than a lasting setback, adding that the team was now moving in the right direction to put matters right.

Cote d'Ivoire, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations winners, will have home advantage and are expected to play in front of a full crowd at Stade de la Paix. The Elephants have a squad built around technical ability, physical strength and creativity, with an attacking approach that has made them a formidable side on home soil.

The fixture is one of the continent’s most recognised rivalries. Meetings between Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire have included Africa Cup of Nations finals and World Cup qualifiers, with the neighbouring countries regularly producing close, physical and highly competitive matches.

Queiroz expects Thursday’s contest to be settled by moments of individual inspiration and the ability of each side to make the most of its opportunities.

“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 are expected to focus on defensive organisation, rapid counter-attacks and finishing, while Cote d'Ivoire will seek to control possession and exploit the width of the pitch.

After the Bouake opener, Ghana will return home to play 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

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