Overview
- The Ivory Coast host Ghana in Bouaké on Wednesday as the opening fixture of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying and a high-profile meeting between Hervé Renard and Carlos Queiroz.
- Renard returned to lead Ivory Coast after Emerse Fae’s contract was not renewed following the World Cup, while Queiroz, who took charge of Ghana before the World Cup, has shaped a defensively strong side.
- Ghana will be without Tottenham midfielder Mohammed Kudus because of injury, a withdrawl that reduces the team’s attacking options for the opening match.
- Several African nations have changed coaches since the World Cup, including Patrick Vieira at Senegal and Pitso Mosimane at South Africa, and Senegal’s appeal over the contested 2026 AFCON title is scheduled for the Court of Arbitration for Sport on October 8.
- Qualifying will decide places for an expanded 24-team finals in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda with hosts automatically qualified and smaller nations such as Eritrea relying on diaspora players after seven squad members absconded following the preliminary round.