Renard versus Queiroz in AFCON qualifying blockbuster

On Thursday, Herve Renard and Carlos Queiroz will clash in an AFCON qualifying match between Ivory Coast and Ghana at a stadium in Bouake. This highly anticipated encounter, featuring two former African Cup of Nations champions, is the centerpiece of matchday one's 24 fixtures. Ghana has claimed the trophy four times but last won it in 1982.

Renard led Ivory Coast to their second African title in 2011 and also won the AFCON with Zambia in 2012, one of the sport's most dramatic upsets. Queiroz, meanwhile, came closest to AFCON glory in 2022 with Egypt, who lost the final to Senegal on penalties. He was absent during the tournament due to a suspension.

Renard, who previously coached Angola, Morocco, Saudi Arabia twice, France women and Tunisia, took over Tunisia during the 2026 World Cup after Sabri Lamouchi was dismissed following a 5-1 defeat to Sweden. Ivory Coast dismissed their 2024 AFCON-winning coach Emerse Fae following a loss to Norway in the last-32 stage of the World Cup, making way for Renard's return.

Queiroz's CV includes managing Real Madrid and serving as an assistant to former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson. He coached Ghana prior to the 2026 World Cup, turning them into a defensively resilient team capable of holding England scoreless. This defensive strength will be put to the test against Ivory Coast, with Renard's squad featuring star players like Yan Diomande of Real Madrid and Bazoumana Toure of Newcastle.

Ghana suffered a blow with the withdrawal of injured midfielder Mohammed Kudus, who also missed the 2026 World Cup. For Guinea, striker Serhou Guirassy from Borussia Dortmund will be a key threat. Bubista, who had success with Cape Verde at the 2026 World Cup, will be replaced by assistant Humberto Bettencourt. Cape Verde will host Mali on Friday.