Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, faces a significant challenge ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifier against Côte d’Ivoire. Coach Hervé Renard has warned of the importance of the match, describing it as a major showdown. However, the team is missing several key players due to injuries, including André Ayew, Jordan Ayew, and Thomas Kudus. These absences come as the Ghana Football Association (GFA) president, Kurt Okraku, defends the players who have withdrawn from the squad, citing personal reasons. The match is set to take place in Bouaké on Thursday, 24 September, marking the start of Ghana’s qualifying campaign. The team will then host The Gambia in Accra, further testing their depth and readiness for the tournament. The absence of these players raises concerns about the Black Stars’ ability to secure a strong result in a crucial group stage encounter.