Ivory Coast face Ghana in Bouake as Group C action from Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualification begins tonight. The two nations, ranked 31st and 65th in the world respectively, are expected to secure a place at next summer's finals, hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, making this showdown likely to play a significant role in determining who tops the group.
Team news and injury blows
As the home side, Cote D'Ivoire will start the game as slight favourites in their first competitive outing since losing a World Cup last-32 clash against Norway in the summer. Herve Renard has returned for a second spell as head coach, naming a squad packed with a mixture of youth and experience.
Ghana, meanwhile, have been dealt a double blow ahead of tonight's showdown with captain Jordan Ayew and Antoine Semenyo forced to withdraw from the squad because of injury. This means head coach Carlos Queiroz will be without three of the Black Stars' best attackers as Mohammed Kudus has not been called up despite a return to fitness.
How to follow the match
Kick-off is at 8pm BST from the Bouake Stadium. Follow Ivory Coast vs Ghana LIVE below with Standard Sport's dedicated match blog, which will bring all the latest updates, build-up and team news right up to kick-off.
