Carlos Queiroz expects Ivory Coast showdown to give fans a spectacle

Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz believes Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Côte d’Ivoire has all the ingredients for an entertaining encounter, with both sides possessing enough quality to produce a memorable contest.

Ghana travel to Bouaké for Thursday’s Group C opener against the Elephants at the Stade de la Paix, with the match scheduled for 7pm Ghana time. The fixture is one of the headline games of the opening round of the qualifiers.

Queiroz, who has returned for a second spell as Black Stars coach, played down comparisons between the two squads and insisted Ghana can match the quality of the hosts.

“All these references to Ivory Coast are exactly the same references that I can also make about Ghana players,” he said.

The Portuguese coach expects the occasion to be about more than just the result, highlighting the calibre of players expected to take the pitch.

“I’m sure the first winners of the game tomorrow will be the fans. The fans will enjoy a lot to see great players on the pitch.”

The match carries the added weight of a West African rivalry, something Queiroz acknowledged ahead of his first competitive fixture since returning to the Black Stars.

“We understand it’s a local derby when Ivory Coast plays against Ghana… with such potential and passion of players on the pitch, we expect a great match.”

Côte d’Ivoire are also beginning a new phase under returning coach Hervé Renard, who has included eight newcomers in his squad for the opening qualifiers.

Despite Ghana’s preparations being disrupted by several player absences, Queiroz remains focused on performance rather than circumstances.

“I hope and trust that we can be, on the day, the best team because in football, when we are the best team on the pitch, we have more chances to win.”

The Black Stars will return home after the Bouaké clash to face The Gambia on September 29, 2026 at the Accra Sports Stadium.