AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Herve Renard starts second Ivory Coast spell with victory

Hervé Renard made a winning return as Ivory Coast head coach as the Elephants beat Ghana 2-0 in Bouaké in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match.

Renard began his second spell in charge with victory over the Black Stars, giving the Elephants an ideal start to their campaign.

The Frenchman will now target another win when Ivory Coast face Somalia in their next AFCON 2027 qualifier.

Renard renews Ivory Coast chapter

Renard returned to the Ivory Coast dugout after previously leading the country to the 2015 AFCON title.

The 57-year-old is one of the few coaches to have won the Africa Cup of Nations with two different countries, having also guided Zambia to the continental title in 2012.

His return follows another recent international assignment with Tunisia, where he was brought in during the 2026 World Cup after Sabri Lamouchi was dismissed following a heavy defeat in the opening match.

Ivory Coast turn focus to Somalia

The victory over Ghana gives Renard an encouraging start to his second spell as Ivory Coast coach.

The Elephants will now face Somalia in their next AFCON 2027 qualifier, with Renard looking to make it two wins from two matches.