Lawrence Ati-Zigi has been handed the starting goalkeeping role as Carlos Queiroz names his Black Stars starting XI for Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké.

The St Gallen goalkeeper starts ahead of Benjamin Asare between the posts, with Queiroz opting for experience for Thursday evening’s high-profile Group C opener.

Kojo Oppong Peprah and Gideon Mensah will operate at full-back, while Jerome Opoku partners Alexander Djiku at the heart of the defence.

The midfield sees Kwasi Sibo and Caleb Yirenkyi given the responsibility of providing energy and protection in front of the back four.

Further forward, Christopher Bonsu Baah and Ernest Nuamah will provide width and attacking pace, with Abdul Fatawu Issahaku also included in the attacking setup.

Brandon Thomas-Asante leads the line for the Black Stars, with Ghana looking to cope with the absence of several established attacking options.

Ghana XI

Lawrence Ati-Zigi; Kojo Oppong Peprah, Jerome Opoku, Alexander Djiku, Gideon Mensah; Kwasi Sibo, Caleb Yirenkyi; Christopher Bonsu Baah, Ernest Nuamah, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku; Brandon Thomas-Asante.

Kick-off at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké is scheduled for 7:00 pm Ghana time.

FKA/MA