Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has urged the Black Stars to deliver immediately as they begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on Thursday.

The match at the Stade de la Paix is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. Ghana time and represents Ghana’s first Group C fixture. The Black Stars will then host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 29 before travelling to Morocco for an international friendly on October 4.

Ghana are determined to avoid another failure to qualify for the AFCON after missing the 2025 tournament. Queiroz has made clear that the immediate priority is results, beginning with a difficult away fixture against a strong Côte d’Ivoire side.

The top two teams in Group C will advance to the 2027 tournament, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The Gambia and Somalia make up the rest of the group, with The Gambia scheduled to face Somalia on September 25.

Ghana’s preparations have been disrupted by a late withdrawal from Mohammed Kudus. The Tottenham midfielder had initially been named in the squad after returning from a lengthy injury lay-off, but he opted out of the international window to continue rebuilding his fitness and avoid a setback.

Derby County forward Mohammed Fuseini has been called up as Kudus’ replacement. Several other players have also been added to Queiroz’s group as the coach manages injuries and fitness concerns ahead of the opening qualifier.

Queiroz acknowledged the difficulties facing his squad but insisted Ghana would remain focused. “We have a couple of holes in our boat, but we keep sailing,” he said, adding that the team’s priority was to repair those weaknesses and stay strong.

The coach has also encouraged Ghana’s younger players to embrace the challenge, with the squad including new options such as New York Red Bulls midfielder Ronald Donkor. Queiroz’s message is clear: Ghana must overcome its absences, compete with Côte d’Ivoire and begin the qualification campaign with a result.