Sports News of 2026-09-24
Herve Renard warns Ivory Coast against complacency ahead of Ghana clash
Côte d’Ivoire head coach Hervé Renard has called for humility from his players ahead of Thursday's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ghana at Stade de la Paix.
Renard expects a closely contested encounter between the two West African giants and believes the outcome could be decided by small details.
“When you have a match between two big teams, it will be played on details. But we have enough character to approach it,” Renard said.
However, the French coach cautioned his players against relying solely on confidence, insisting they must demonstrate their character on the pitch.
“But it is not enough to say it; it will have to be shown on the pitch,” he added.
Renard also reminded his players that Thursday's encounter is only the first of six matches in the qualifying campaign and urged them to remain focused.
“There are six matches to be played. Sometimes we miss the first step and pass the others. You have to be humble,” he said.
Côte d’Ivoire will host Ghana at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké in their opening Group C fixture, with both sides looking to begin their qualification campaign with a positive result.
