Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana renew rivalry as Herve Renard starts second spell

Cote d’Ivoire host Ghana in a heavyweight West African derby at the Stade de la Paix de Bouake on Thursday, with Herve Renard taking charge of the Elephants for the first time since returning to the national team.

The match is the opening fixture of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign and begins at 21:00 GMT+2.

Renard has named Luck Zogbe at right-back, Malick Yalcouye in midfield and Ange-Yoan Bonny in attack, alongside experienced players Franck Kessie, Yan Diomande and Nicolas Pepe.

Several incidents have already shaped the contest. Renard displayed his trademark style on the touchline, while one challenge came close to bringing a second yellow card.

Ghana’s Felix Afena-Gyan saw a close-range header blocked, while a dangerous delivery from Cote d’Ivoire was gathered by goalkeeper Ati Zigi. Another attacking move caused problems for the Ghanaian defence before the player involved was crowded out by four opponents.

A weak effort was comfortably claimed by Yahia Fofana, while another powerful attempt finished in the side-netting.

Ghana eventually created a clear opening on the counter-attack when the ball reached Caleb Yirenkyi, but he was denied from close range by Fofana.

The meeting is the 17th between the countries since 1965. Cote d’Ivoire hold the narrow advantage in the head-to-head record, with seven wins, three draws and six defeats.

The rivalry’s most notable recent chapter came in the final of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. After a goalless match, Cote d’Ivoire won 9-8 on penalties, with Renard also in charge.

Both teams reached the last 16 of the most recent World Cup and are regarded as two of the leading national sides in West African football. Renard’s return, 11 years after his previous spell in Cote d’Ivoire, has placed the French coach at the centre of attention as he attempts to outman Ghana counterpart Carlos Queiroz.

Queiroz was retained by Ghana after the World Cup and faces the opening qualifier without several important players. Captain Jordan Ayew is unavailable, as is Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo, while Tottenham attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus is also missing.

Kudus is returning from a lengthy hamstring injury and was unable to take part in the 2026 World Cup.

Ghana have nevertheless welcomed back Alexander Djiku, Nathaniel Adjei, Ibrahim Sulemana, Felix Afena-Gyan and Ibrahim Osman.

Renard could also hand out a number of first caps for Cote d’Ivoire. Alongside Yalcouye, Christ Tape, Kassoum Ouattara, Amadou Kone, Patrick Zabi, Eddy Doue, Rayan Fofana and Yann Gboho are all in contention to make their international debuts.