Black Stars Complete Final Training In Bouaké Ahead Of Crucial AFCON Qualifier Clash With Côte D’Ivoire

Ghana’s Black Stars has wrapped up their final training session at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on the eve of their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Côte d’Ivoire, a fixture set for 7pm kickoff today under head coach Carlos Queiroz.

The team has been building up to this moment since opening camp in Accra on Monday, training at the Accra Sports Stadium before flying out to Bouaké aboard a Ghana Air Force aircraft on Wednesday morning.

Eighteen players featured in Tuesday’s session in Accra as the squad continued taking shape following a mix of withdrawals and late call-ups, giving Queiroz limited time to settle on his preferred starting group before the trip.

Today’s clash carries extra weight for Ghana, marking their first competitive fixture since missing out on the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, after finishing bottom of their previous qualifying group.

Group C also features The Gambia and Somalia, with the Black Stars eager to open their campaign with something to show for the trip away from home.

Standing in their way is a Côte d’Ivoire side now under new management, with Hervé Renard replacing Emerse Fae, the man who guided the Elephants to AFCON glory on home soil back in 2023.

Hervé Renard’s squad boasts experienced names like Franck Kessié, though Manchester United winger Amad Diallo will sit this one out through injury.

Ghana will head straight back to Accra after the final whistle, with barely any time to reflect before turning attention to their next Group C test against The Gambia on September 27.

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