Ivory Coast, Ghana set for AFCON 2027 qualifying opener

Ivory Coast are scheduled to host Ghana at Stade de Bouake in Bouake on Thursday, September 24, in the opening Group C match of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying process.

Kickoff is set for 19:00 GMT, with live build-up scheduled from 16:00 GMT before a text commentary stream. The Gambia and Somalia complete the group.

Renard begins second Ivory Coast spell

Ivory Coast enter the qualifier under Herve Renard, who replaced Emerse Fae after the team’s reported elimination by Norway in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It is Renard’s second spell in charge of the national side after his first tenure from 2014 to 2015.

Renard previously guided Ivory Coast to the 2015 AFCON title and also led Zambia to the continental trophy in 2012. The source describes Ivory Coast’s target as winning AFCON 2027.

Yan Diomande is identified as one of the team’s leading players. The forward reportedly moved from RB Leipzig to Real Madrid for $161m. Ivory Coast’s squad also includes Franck Kessie, Nicolas Pepe and Ibrahim Sangare.

Amad Diallo is expected to miss the match while recovering from an injury. The source identifies him as Ivory Coast’s prominent absentee.

Ghana arrive with injury concerns

Ghana are led by Carlos Queiroz and will be seeking a stronger start after failing to reach the most recent AFCON, according to the source. The team were also eliminated by Colombia in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup after a reported 1-0 defeat.

Injuries have affected Ghana’s preparations, with captain Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Kudus among the players identified as unavailable. Ghana’s squad also includes Thomas Partey and Inaki Williams.

The two sides have a long competitive history. Ghana have reportedly won 15 of their 38 meetings with Ivory Coast, while Ivory Coast have won 10. The most recent listed meeting was a 0-0 friendly in 2021.

Ivory Coast defeated Ghana on penalties in the 1992 and 2015 AFCON finals. They also recorded a 3-1 victory over Ghana in the round of 16 at the 2010 tournament. Ghana’s last AFCON title came in 1982, while Ivory Coast have won the competition three times compared with Ghana’s four titles.

Group C schedule

After the opening fixture, Ghana are scheduled to host The Gambia in their next group match. Ivory Coast are scheduled to travel to Somalia.

The match in Bouake will therefore provide the first early indication of how the two former continental champions begin their campaign for qualification to AFCON 2027.