Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz is confident Ghana’s young players can step up in Thursday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Côte d’Ivoire.
Ghana face the Elephants in Bouake in Queiroz’s first competitive match since his return as Black Stars head coach.
The Black Stars head into the Group C opener with several injury concerns, with seven key players, including Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew and Mohammed Kudus, withdrawing from the squad.
Queiroz will therefore rely on a number of younger players to fill the gaps, with Augustine Boakye, Rahim Ibrahim and Mohammed Fuseini among those expected to take on greater responsibility against Côte d’Ivoire. The match kicks off at 7:00 pm GMT at the Stade de la Paix.
“There is always a generation of players to renew, to refresh [the team]…we have a couple of great potential, great talented players. They are full of enthusiasm, they are looking for an opportunity to shine, to serve the national team and they are going to be alright.”

“I am sure that with the talent that they have, they can give a good contribution to the team” Queiroz said at a pre-game presser.









