Pakistan, Sept. 23 -- Ivory Coast host Ghana on Thursday as coaches Herve Renard and Carlos Queiroz headline the opening round of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. The West African clash in Bouake is the biggest fixture among the 24 opening matches.

Renard guided Ivory Coast to the AFCON title in 2015 and also led Zambia to glory in 2012. Queiroz reached the 2022 final with Egypt, who lost to Senegal on penalties. Both coaches bring extensive international experience to Thursday's encounter.

Queiroz took charge of Ghana before the 2026 World Cup and helped build a disciplined defensive side. Ghana were the only team to keep England scoreless at the tournament. However, they will miss injured Tottenham midfielder Mohammed Kudus.

Iv...