AFCON Qualifiers 2027: Hervé Renard Defeats Ghana Again with the Elephants (2-0)

Hervé Renard, returning as head coach of Ivory Coast 11 years after winning the 2015 AFCON final against Ghana, led the Elephants to a 2-0 victory over the Black Stars in the opening match of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers on September 24, 2026, at the Peace Stadium in Bouaké. Young midfielder Malick Yalcouyé scored in the 44th minute, marking a symbolic win for Renard against his former opponent Ghana. Ivory Coast will face Somalia on September 29, 2026, in their next qualifier match.