Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana face major selection challenges in CAN 2027 opener

Cote d’Ivoire begin their CAN 2027 qualification campaign against Ghana in a high-profile West African meeting at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake.

The Group C fixture brings together two of Africa’s leading football nations, although both teams have been affected by a series of absences before the opening match of the campaign.

Cote d’Ivoire

Herve Renard is back in charge of the Elephants but must manage several selection concerns for his first match since returning to the role.

Wilfried Singo has been ruled out, while Odilon Kossounou and Guela Doue remain doubts after recently returning from injury. Their availability could influence the make-up of the Ivory Coast defence.

The hosts are also without two important midfield and attacking options. Seko Fofana is absent, while Amad Diallo continues his recovery and will not feature.

Despite those setbacks, Renard has spoken positively about the quality of his squad, with his appointment as Cote d’Ivoire manager receiving a favourable response.

The expected Cote d’Ivoire starting XI is:

Goalkeeper: Yahia Fofana

Defenders: Guela Doue, Evan Ndicka, Ousmane Diomande, Ghislain Konan

Midfielders: Christ Inao Oulai, Ibrahim Sangare, Franck Kessie

Forwards: Nicolas Pepe, Ange-Yoan Bonny, Yan Diomande

Guela Doue’s inclusion remains subject to his fitness after his recent injury, while the final defensive selection will depend on his condition before kick-off.

Ghana

Carlos Queiroz has also had to revise his plans after a significant number of players became unavailable. Ghana have called up nine reinforcements in the days leading up to the match.

Marvin Senaya and Kamaldeen Sulemana have been ruled out with injuries, while Thomas Partey is also missing. Mohammed Kudus has left the Ghana camp to continue his recovery with Tottenham.

Those absences leave Queiroz with several changes to make as Ghana prepare for a difficult away fixture at the start of their qualifying campaign.

The expected Ghana starting XI is:

Goalkeeper: Lawrence Ati Zigi

Defenders: Nathaniel Adjei, Alidu Seidu, Jerome Opoku, Gideon Mensah

Midfielders: Caleb Yirenkyi, Kwasi Sibo, Ibrahim Sulemana

Forwards: Ernest Nuamah, Inaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo

The meeting in Bouake will launch the first round of CAN 2027 qualifying matches, with both sides attempting to make an immediate start in Group C.