Renard versus Queiroz in AFCON qualifying blockbuster

Renard and Queiroz prepare to clash in AFCON qualifier as Ivory Coast host Ghana

High-profile coaches Herve Renard and Carlos Queiroz are set to face off in Thursday's AFCON qualifier match, with Ivory Coast facing Ghana in Bouake. This blockbuster match will be the highlight of the 24 matchday one fixtures. Ghana has won the AFCON four times, most recently in 1982.

Renard led Ivory Coast to their second AFCON title in 2012, a shock victory. He also coached Zambia to an AFCON title in 2012. Queiroz reached AFCON glory in 2022 with Egypt, who lost the final after a penalty shootout to Senegal. The former Real Madrid manager is now coaching Ghana, transforming a struggling team into a defensive powerhouse. The team held England goalless in the 2026 World Cup qualifier.

Queiroz's CV includes managing Real Madrid and serving as assistant to Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. He took charge of Tunisia during the 2026 World Cup after Sabri Lamouchi's dismissal. Ivory Coast did not renew the contract of coach Emerse Fae after their last-32 World Cup loss to Norway, making room for Renard's return to the Ivory Coast.

Ghana's star midfielder Mohammed Kudus is injured and will not be available for the match. The team will be without Vieira, who has replaced Senegal's Patrick Thiaw. The Senegalese team will travel to Cape Verde instead of hosting them, due to a lack of an international-standard stadium.

In Senegal, defender Edouard Mendy has retired and striker Sadio Mane is injured, leaving captain Kalidou Koulibaly and midfielder Idrissa Gueye as the core players. Senegal's team protested an added-time penalty awarded to Morocco, which was missed after a lengthy delay. The decision will be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on October 8.

South Africa's new coach Pitso Mosimane gets a second chance after being sacked following a 2014 World Cup qualifier draw with Ethiopia. South Africa will be without injured defenders Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Khuliso Mudau in Saturday's match against Guinea. Bubista has joined Moroccan club Renaissance Berkane, with assistant Humberto Bettencourt taking over. Cape Verde will face Mali on Friday.