2027 AFCON qualifiers: Cote d’Ivoire’s quality doesn’t scare Ghana – Kwasi Sibo

Ghana midfielder Kwasi Sibo says the quality within Cote dIvoires squad will not intimidate the Black Stars when the two sides meet in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.The Black Stars will begin their Group C campaign away from home against the Elephants at the Stade de la Paix in Bouak, with Sibo confident Ghana have enough quality to compete with their hosts.Both teams are entering a new era under experienced coaches, with Ghana now led by Carlos Queiroz following their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.Ghanas preparations have also been affected by the late withdrawal of Mohammed Kudus, who was ruled out of the encounter through injury. Mohammed Fuseini has subsequently been called up to strengthen the attacking options.Despite the absence of Kudus and the strength of the Ivorian squad, Sibo believes Ghana are capable of matching their opponents.It doesnt scare me. We know the opponents in front of us. They are a very good nation and have good individual players. We also have quality players who can match them, and we are ready for that match, Sibo said.Seven players opened Ghanas training camp at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday as preparations began for the trip to Bouak.The Black Stars will return home after the fixture to face Gambia in their second qualifier, with a positive result in Cte dIvoire likely to provide an early boost to Queirozs rebuilding project.