Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has backed Ghana’s emerging talents to step up when the team faces Côte d’Ivoire in the opening match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The two West African giants meet at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké today, Thursday, in a Group C encounter that is expected to attract strong interest from supporters of both nations.
Ghana will enter the game without some notable players due to injuries, creating an opportunity for several younger members of the squad to make an impact.
Queiroz, however, said the absence of experienced players has not weakened his confidence in the team that travelled to Côte d’Ivoire.
“The most important players for our team are the ones that are here today,” he told journalists during Wednesday’s pre-match press conference.
The Portuguese coach said football naturally goes through periods of transition, with younger players eventually taking over from established stars.
“Tomorrow the young players will be the experienced players of the future,” he said.
He added that the current squad contains a combination of experienced players and young talents who are eager to prove themselves.
Queiroz, however, stressed that the younger players should not mistake the opportunity for a learning exercise, insisting that Ghana’s immediate objective is to compete and get a result.
“We didn’t come here to walk in the park. We came here to deliver, compete and play against a great team,” he said.
The coach also praised Côte d’Ivoire for their attacking qualities, describing the Elephants as a team blessed with skilful, powerful and creative players.
He believes those qualities are also present in the Ghanaian squad, making today’s clash an attractive contest.
Queiroz expects a tight encounter between the two neighbours but hopes Ghana can produce the stronger performance.
“In football, when we are the best team on the pitch, we have more chances to win,” he said.
