Two giants of West African football collide on Thursday as Ivory Coast host Ghana in a blockbuster opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake.
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The Group C encounter kicks off at 19:00 GMT (21:00 SAST) and represents the beginning of a new era for the Elephants, with two-time AFCON-winning coach Herve Renard back for his second spell in charge. Ghana, meanwhile, enter the qualifying campaign under Carlos Queiroz and have received a significant boost with Mohammed Kudus returning after seven months out injured.
With The Gambia and Somalia completing Group C, both continental heavyweights will view Thursday’s showdown as an early opportunity to establish control of the group.
Betting Preview
Ivory Coast enter the contest as favourites, but Renard’s first competitive match back in charge comes during a period of considerable transition.
The Frenchman, who famously guided the Elephants to AFCON glory in 2015, has named eight newcomers in his initial squad. That refresh follows the international retirements of experienced midfielders Seko Fofana and Jean Michael Seri, while Amad Diallo and Wilfried Singo are unavailable through injury. Odilon Kossounou and Guéla Doué have subsequently also been ruled out.
There is still plenty of quality available.
Franck Kessie and Ibrahim Sangare provide experience in midfield, Evan Ndicka and Ousmane Diomande are among the defensive options, while Nicolas Pepe, Elye Wahi, Ange-Yoan Bonny and Yan Diomande give Renard attacking alternatives.
Ivory Coast also produced a respectable showing at the 2026 World Cup. They beat Ecuador 1-0 and Curacao 2-0 in the group stage, losing narrowly 2-1 to Germany before Norway eliminated them by the same scoreline in the Round of 32.
Ghana’s World Cup campaign was similarly competitive.
The Black Stars defeated Panama 1-0, held England to a goalless draw and lost 2-1 to Croatia before being eliminated by Colombia. Their ability to frustrate England demonstrated that Queiroz’s team can be extremely difficult to break down when their defensive structure is functioning properly.
The return of Kudus adds another dimension. The Tottenham star missed the World Cup through injury but is back alongside attacking options including Antoine Semenyo, Ernest Nuamah, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Ibrahim Osman and Jordan Ayew.
That makes Ghana dangerous on the counter, particularly if Ivory Coast dominate possession and push numbers forward.
However, the Elephants’ combination of home advantage, midfield strength and greater recent consistency gives them the edge. Renard’s return should also create considerable energy around the hosts in Bouake.
The question is whether that translates into goals.
Ghana have been involved in several tight matches recently, while the last meeting between these nations finished 0-0 in 2021. Their famous 2015 AFCON final also ended goalless before Ivory Coast prevailed on penalties.
Everything points towards another competitive West African battle rather than a shootout.
Recent Form & Stats
- Ivory Coast’s 2026 World Cup: Beat Ecuador 1-0, lost 2-1 to Germany, beat Curaçao 2-0 and lost 2-1 to Norway.
- Ghana’s 2026 World Cup: Beat Panama 1-0, drew 0-0 with England, lost 2-1 to Croatia and were eliminated 1-0 by Colombia.
- Ghana’s recent scoring record: The Black Stars have scored just two goals across their last four competitive matches.
- Last meeting: Ghana 0-0 Ivory Coast in June 2021.
- 2015 AFCON final: Ivory Coast and Ghana drew 0-0 before the Elephants won the penalty shootout.
- Ivory Coast team news: Renard initially selected eight uncapped players as he begins rebuilding the squad.
- Ghana team news: Mohammed Kudus returns after seven months on the sidelines and missing the 2026 World Cup.
- Ivory Coast absentees: Amad Diallo, Wilfried Singo, Odilon Kossounou and Guéla Doué are among those unavailable through injury.
- Group C: Ivory Coast and Ghana are joined by The Gambia and Somalia.
Best Bets & Prediction
Prediction: Ivory Coast to win at 1.65.
Best Bet: Ivory Coast to win & Under 3.5 total goals at 2.05.
Alternative Bet: Under 2.5 total goals at 1.61.
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