Côte d’Ivoire vs Ghana: Predicted Black Stars Lineup for AFCON 2027 Opener
- Carlos Queiroz faces a significant selection headache ahead of Ghana's opening 2027 AFCON qualifier in Bouaké on September 24
- Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew and Thomas Partey are all unavailable for the clash against Côte d'Ivoire
- Queiroz could deploy a 4-3-3 formation featuring predominantly emerging talents against the Elephants
PAY ATTENTION: Mark YEN.com.gh as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Ghana faces Côte d'Ivoire in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on Thursday, September 24, with coach Carlos Queiroz navigating a heavily disrupted squad as he prepares his starting eleven.
Several senior figures will be absent from the encounter. Captain Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo have all withdrawn from the squad, while Thomas Partey remains unavailable through injury.
The absences place considerable pressure on Queiroz to construct a reliable and cohesive unit from those remaining.
Source: Getty Images
Côte d’Ivoire vs Ghana: Predicted Black Stars lineup
Queiroz is expected to set up in a 4-3-3 shape, with Lawrence Ati-Zigi starting between the posts.
Kojo Oppong Peprah and Gideon Mensah look set to fill the full-back roles, with Jerome Opoku and Alexander Djiku forming the central defensive partnership.
In the centre of the pitch, Kwasi Sibo could operate alongside Caleb Yirenkyi and Augustine Boakye, offering energy and ball-winning presence in a midfield that will need to work hard against a quality Ivorian attack.
Up front, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku is tipped to start on the right flank, with Brandon Thomas-Asante leading the line and Ernest Nuamah providing width and pace from the left.
YEN.com.gh's predicted Black Stars lineup: Ati-Zigi; Oppong, Adjetey, Opoku, Mensah; Yirenkyi, Sibo, Donkor; Issahaku, Thomas-Asante, Nuamah.
The tactical key: A disciplined opening
One notable trend from Queiroz's early tenure could prove instructive.
In his first five matches in charge, Ghana have remained unbeaten in all games where they avoided conceding before half-time, per Flashscore, a pattern that underlines the importance of keeping a clean sheet in the opening exchanges against Côte d'Ivoire.
With that in mind, the Black Stars are likely to prioritise defensive organisation and compactness in the early stages of the match, before attempting to use their attacking pace to threaten a Côte d'Ivoire side with considerable quality going forward.
Carlos Queiroz vows to win against Côte d'Ivoire
In another publication, YEN.com.gh reported that Carlos Queiroz is determined to start Ghana’s 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign with a win against Côte d’Ivoire.
The Portuguese coach made his intentions clear, saying the Black Stars’ main objective in Bouaké is to secure victory.
Don't miss out! Get your daily dose of sports news straight to your phone. Join YEN's Sports News channel on WhatsApp now!
Source: YEN.com.gh
