Ivory Coast v Ghana: AFCON 2027 qualifier in Bouaké on Sept 24

Ivory Coast will host Ghana at the Stade de Bouaké on 24 September (BST) in an AFCON 2027 qualifying match, the opening fixture of their qualification campaigns.

Both sides arrive having featured at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the Hervé Renard-led Ivory Coast described as having put in a decent show there and Ghana also reaching the round of 16. Ivory Coast are presented in the preview as possessing strong attacking options and midfield quality but as needing improvements in defence, while Ghana are noted for defensive solidity and a requirement to take more control in attack.

The preview singles out attacking threats for both teams. It names Yan Diomande as a Real Madrid star available to Ivory Coast and says he can be used on both left and right wings, using pace and the ability to create space to threaten opposition defences. For Ghana, Antoine Semenyo is described as enjoying a positive season with Manchester City and as a wide player capable of cutting inside and causing problems for Ivory Coast’s back line.

The article states that all selected players for both nations are fit to play and reproduces the squads named for the fixture. Ivory Coast’s list appears as: Fofana (GK); Ouattara, Ndicka, Diomande, Opéri; Sangare, Kessie, Kone; Diomandé, Guessand, Pepe. Ghana’s list appears as: Asare (GK); Gyamerah, Opoku, Djiku, Mensah; Sibo, Sulemana, Boakye; Kudus, Ayew, Semenyo. A social media post noted that Head Coach Carlos Queiroz has named his squad for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.

The preview emphasises the importance of the early matches in Group stage context, saying the first two group games will be crucial for Ivory Coast and that home advantage gives the Elephants a slight edge. It also records that a win for Ghana would provide a significant boost to their qualification bid. The piece offers a straight prediction: Ivory Coast 2-1 Ghana.

Viewing information included in the preview lists regional broadcasters for the match: Nigeria — Canal+, Sport 1 Afrique; Cameroon — CRTV Sports, Canal+ Sport 1 Afrique; USA — beIN SPORTS en Español, fuboTV, beIN SPORTS CONNECT.

Carlos Queiroz’s squad selection post also referenced further fixtures for Ghana, including a qualifier against The Gambia on 29 September and an international friendly with Morocco, indicating the Black Stars’ immediate schedule following the Bouaké meeting. The result in Bouaké will be among the early influences on both sides’ AFCON 2027 qualifying campaigns.