Ivory Coast head coach Hervé Renard has announced a 25-man squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with the Elephants preparing to host Ghana in a highly anticipated Group C opener in Bouaké. Editorial Standards
The match is scheduled for Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the Stade de la Paix, with kick-off set for 7:00 p.m. GMT. It will mark the beginning of the qualification campaign for both West African nations as they seek a place at the 2027 continental tournament.
Renard’s selection combines experienced internationals with a number of emerging talents as the French coach begins his second spell in charge of the Ivorian national team. The squad was announced on Wednesday, September 16, and includes several players based in Europe’s major football leagues.
Among the notable names included are Real Madrid youngster Yan Diomandé, Inter Milan forward Ange-Yoan Bonny and experienced attacker Nicolas Pépé. The squad also features midfielders Franck Kessié and Ibrahim Sangaré, alongside defenders Evan Ndicka, Ousmane Diomandé, Odilon Kossounou and Emmanuel Agbadou.
The selection reflects Renard’s intention to blend established players with younger footballers who could become important figures in the Elephants’ next generation. Eight players have reportedly been handed opportunities in the squad for the first time under the returning coach, including Patrick Zabi, Eddy Doué, Amadou Koné, Malick Yalcouyé, Christ Tapé, Kassoum Ouattara, Yann Gboho and Rayan Fofana. Editorial Ethics & Independence
The presence of younger players is particularly noticeable in midfield and attack. Amadou Koné, Malick Yalcouyé and Patrick Zabi are among the emerging options expected to compete for places, while the attacking department includes Bonny, Pépé, Elye Wahi, Bazoumana Touré, Rayan Fofana, Yann Gboho and Yan Diomandé.
Renard has also retained several experienced players who have been central to Ivory Coast’s recent campaigns. Kessié and Sangaré offer options in midfield, while Ndicka, Ousmane Diomandé, Kossounou and Agbadou provide depth in defence. Goalkeeping duties are expected to be contested by Yahia Fofana, Alban Lafont and Mohamed Koné.
However, the Elephants will enter the opening fixture without some familiar names. Amad Diallo and Wilfried Singo are unavailable because of injury, while other established players, including Simon Adingra, Sébastien Haller and Evann Guessand, were not included in the announced squad. Their absences could provide additional opportunities for the younger members of Renard’s selection.
The Ghana encounter carries added significance because of Renard’s history with the Ivorian national team. During his first spell in charge, the Frenchman guided Ivory Coast to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations title. The final was decided by a penalty shootout victory over Ghana, making the upcoming qualifier another meeting between Renard and the Black Stars.
His return to the Elephants comes after the departure of Emerse Faé, and the Ghana fixture will be Renard’s first competitive assignment since taking charge again. The match will therefore provide an early indication of how quickly the coach can implement his ideas and integrate the new faces into the team.
After facing Ghana, Ivory Coast are scheduled to play Somalia in their second Group C qualifier on September 29. That match is expected to take place at the Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan. The Elephants will then conclude the international window with a friendly against Cameroon on October 3 at the Stade Alassane Ouattara in Ebimpé.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Algerian referee Mustapha Ghorbal to officiate the Ghana-Ivory Coast encounter. He will be assisted by compatriots Abbes Akram Zerhouni and Mokrane Gourari. Corrections Policy
Meanwhile, Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has submitted the Black Stars’ squad to the Ghana Football Association for review by the Management Committee and Executive Council.
The final Ghana squad is expected to be announced before the international break.
The meeting in Bouaké is expected to attract significant attention across the region, given the football history between the two countries and the importance of beginning the AFCON qualification campaign with a positive result.
Both sides will be aware that the opening fixture could set the tone for their Group C journey, although the qualification race will ultimately depend on performances across the full schedule.