Côte d’Ivoire head coach Hervé Renard has described the AFCON 2027 qualifier against Ghana as a major showdown, while acknowledging the quality of the Black Stars.
Renard, speaking ahead of the Group C opener in Bouaké, said Ghana possess a strong team and expects a difficult encounter for both sides.
“This is a major showdown in African football. This Ghana team is a good team. The match will not be easy for anyone.”
The Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana fixture is scheduled for September 24 at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké, with both sides beginning their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Renard has returned for a second spell as head coach of the Elephants and has introduced eight new players as he begins a new cycle with the national team.
The encounter brings together two former African champions in one of the standout fixtures of the opening round of the qualifiers.
