Côte d’Ivoire hosts Ghana on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at Stade de la Paix in Bouaké in the opening Group C fixture of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at 7 pm.
This game marks the opening duel of the group phase, with each team looking to get off to a strong start to the qualifying campaign.
Hervé Renard’s team start as clear favourites on home soil after reaching the 2026 World Cup round of 32. Ghana, managed by Carlos Queiroz, arrive heavily depleted following the withdrawal of several key players.
Captain Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, Mohammed Kudus, Alidu Seidu, Nathaniel Adjei, and Thomas Partey are all absent from the duel, citing issues and personal issues.
The Black Stars technical team will have to make do with potentials such as Bonsu-Baah Chris, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Ernest Nuamah, and Brandon Thomas-Asante to cause havoc in Bouaké.
Meanwhile, the host are not spared from exclusions as well, including Amad Diallo, Evann Guessand, and Omar Diakité.
The Elephants start as strong favorites at home, but a resilient Ghana side will hope to play above their weight for this duel.
