AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: We will beat Ivory Coast in Accra in return leg – Carlos Queiroz

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz says he has “no doubt” the Black Stars will defeat Ivory Coast when the two sides meet again in Accra later in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The four-time African champions began their Group C campaign with a 2-0 defeat to the Elephants at the Stade de Bouaké on Thursday, as goals from Malick Yalcouye and Franck Kessié secured victory for the hosts.

Despite the setback in his first competitive match since returning as Ghana coach, Queiroz remained confident that his side would respond in the reverse fixture at the Accra Sports Stadium.

“When Ivory Coast comes to Ghana, with all due respect, it will be our turn to win,” the 73-year-old said after the match.

“So the score, as you said now, is 16–15, right? So in a couple of months it will be 16–16. I have no doubt about that, that we are going to win that game.”

The defeat leaves Ghana bottom of Group C after the opening round of fixtures, increasing the pressure ahead of their next qualifier against Gambia on Tuesday, 29 September, at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The Black Stars are aiming to secure a return to the Africa Cup of Nations after failing to qualify for the 2025 tournament in Morocco – their first absence from the finals in more than two decades.