Bouake opener: How Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana could line up

Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaigns on Thursday, with the two sides meeting at 19:00 GMT at the Stade de la Paix de Bouake.

The probable Cote d’Ivoire team is expected to feature Yahia Fofana in goal, behind a defence of Guela Doue, Evan Ndicka, Ousmane Diomande and Ghislain Konan.

Christ Inao Oulai, Ibrahim Sangare and Franck Kessie are listed in midfield, while Nicolas Pepe, Ange-Yoan Bonny and Yan Diomande are expected to form the attack in a 4-3-3 formation.

Ghana are also set to use a 4-3-3 system, with Lawrence Ati-Zigi the likely goalkeeper.

Tariq Lamptey, Abdul Mumin, Mohammed Salisu and Gideon Mensah make up the predicted defensive line. Majid Ashimeru, Elisha Owusu and Majeed Waris are named in midfield.

The Ghana attack is expected to include Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Brandon Thomas-Asante and Ernest Nuamah.

Both line-ups remain subject to change before the official starting XIs are announced.