Cote d’Ivoire v Ghana: Herve Renard begins second spell in Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

Cote d’Ivoire host Ghana in a heavyweight West African derby as Herve Renard takes charge of the Elephants for the first time since returning to the national team. The Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying match takes place at the Stade de la Paix de Bouake on Thursday, with live coverage beginning at 21:00 (GMT+2).

Renard has made several notable selection decisions for his first match back. Luck Zogbe starts at right-back, Malick Yalcouye features in midfield and Ange-Yoan Bonny leads the attack, alongside experienced players Franck Kessie, Yan Diomande and Nicolas Pepe.

The match has also produced a series of early incidents. A foul by the French coach’s side was described as being close to a second yellow card, while Felix Afena-Gyan saw a header blocked from close range.

Another Ghana attack ended with a cross collected by Ati Zigi. Cote d’Ivoire then threatened at the other end when one of their attackers caused problems in the Ghanaian defence before being crowded out by four opponents.

A tame effort was comfortably gathered by Yahia Fofana, while another shot, struck with power, found only the side netting.

Ghana eventually created what was described as their first clear opportunity when a counter-attack released Caleb Yirenkyi. His close-range effort was stopped by Fofana.

The fixture brings together two of West Africa’s leading football nations, both of whom reached the last 32 at the most recent World Cup. It is the 17th meeting between Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana since 1965, with the Elephants holding the advantage with seven wins, three draws and six defeats.

Their rivalry includes the memorable 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final, when Cote d’Ivoire prevailed on penalties after a goalless draw. The shootout finished 9-8, with Renard also in charge of the Ivorian team at the time.

The 2027 qualifier is Renard’s first match back in Cote d’Ivoire after an absence of 11 years. He will face Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz, whose contract was extended by the Ghanaian Football Association following the World Cup.

Renard could also hand several players their first international appearances. Alongside Yalcouye, Christ Tape, Kassoum Ouattara, Amadou Kone, Patrick Zabi, Eddy Doue, Rayan Fofana and Yann Gboho are all in contention for their Cote d’Ivoire debuts.

Ghana must cope with a number of significant absences. Their squad does not include captain Jordan Ayew, Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo or Tottenham attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus. Kudus is returning from a lengthy hamstring injury and was unable to take part in the 2026 World Cup.

Alexander Djiku, Nathaniel Adjei, Ibrahim Sulemana, Felix Afena-Gyan and Ibrahim Osman have, however, returned to the Ghana squad for the match.