Franck Kessie has described Côte d'Ivoire's meeting with Ghana as a derby as the two sides prepare to open their Group C campaign in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Thursday, September 24.
The Ivory Coast captain said the fixture carries extra weight because of the history between the two West African teams. “When you play Ghana, it’s a derby,” Kessie said, adding that Ghana are “also a great African nation with very good players.”
For Ivory Coast, the match is not only a major regional contest but also the first step in a qualifying campaign where every point matters. Group C begins with a high-profile meeting at Peace Stadium in Bouake, with three points available and plenty of attention on both sides.
Ivory Coast and Ghana begin Group C campaign
Ghana went into camp on Monday and began its build-up in Accra before traveling to Côte d'Ivoire. Ivory Coast, meanwhile, will host the Black Stars in a fixture that brings together two of West African football's biggest names.
Kessie said Ivory Coast are focused on being ready from the start. “We’re working hard and following the coach’s instructions to be ready from the first whistle tomorrow,” he said.
That message reflects the tone of an opening qualifier that could set the pace for the rest of the group. With both teams eager to start strongly, the match at Peace Stadium in Bouake is shaping up as a competitive and symbolic opening to the road toward the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
