Oumar Diakité Excited To Face Ghana In AFCON 2027 Qualifiers
Ivory Coast forward Oumar Diakité has admitted that facing Ghana in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers will be a special occasion for him because of his deep admiration for the country and its culture.
Speaking exclusively to EOS Official, the Ivory Coast international revealed that Ghana has always held a special place in his heart.
“It will be special to face Ghana. Imagine, Ivory Coast is my home nation, Ghana is one country I love and we are neighbours as well,” Diakité said.
Ghana’s Black Stars have been drawn in Group C of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers alongside Ivory Coast, Gambia and Somalia.
The qualifiers will be crucial for Ghana, who are seeking redemption after failing to qualify for AFCON 2025, their first absence from the tournament in more than two decades.
Ivory Coast, meanwhile, will head into the qualifiers full of confidence after reaching the quarter-finals of the last AFCON tournament in Morocco.
Diakité explained that his affection for Ghana goes beyond football.
“I love Ghana. I love the people, the vibe and the culture,” he added.
“I love Jama as well,” he said with a smile.
The 22-year-old revealed that his first experience in Ghana came during his academy days with ASEC Mimosas when the club travelled to face WAFA.
He also hinted at visiting the country again after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“I hope to come and explore Ghana properly one day,” he said.
The Cercle Brugge forward further disclosed that he has close Ghanaian friends within football circles.
“Lawrence Agyekum is my teammate at Cercle Brugge. He’s like a brother to me now. I also know Mohammed Gadafi from his time in Austria with Sturm Graz and Forson Amankwah as well. It will be special to play against some of them,” Diakité revealed.
Diakité’s admiration for Ghana extends to its music scene as well, with the Ivorian naming the late Ebony Reigns and Gasmilla among his favourite Ghanaian artistes.
The AFCON 2027 qualifiers will be played across three international windows:
– Matchdays 1 & 2: September 21 – October 6, 2026
– Matchdays 3 & 4: November 9 – 17, 2026
– Matchdays 5 & 6: March 22 – 30, 2027
