Ghana beaten by Cote dIvoire in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

Ghana began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-0 defeat by Cote d'Ivoire in Bouake on Thursday.

The Group C match at the Stade de la Paix was settled by goals from debutant Malick Yalcouye and captain Franck Yannick Kessie, leaving the Black Stars without a point from their opening fixture.

Carlos Queiroz selected a side featuring three debutants in Kojo Oppong Peprah, Christopher Bonsu Baah and Brandon Thomas-Asante. Caleb Yirenkyi and Kwasi Sibo formed the midfield partnership, while Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Ernest Nuamah and Christopher Bonsu Baah were tasked with supporting Thomas-Asante in attack.

The first half was closely contested, but Cote d'Ivoire found the breakthrough just before the interval. Yalcouye created room on the edge of the Ghana penalty area and struck beyond goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi to put the Elephants 1-0 in front.

Ghana required a quick response after the restart, but the hosts extended their lead soon afterwards. Cote d'Ivoire were awarded a penalty after a foul on Malick Yacoulye, and Kessie sent Ati-Zigi the wrong way from the spot to make it 2-0.

Queiroz made attacking changes as Ghana attempted to recover. Felix Afena-Gyan, Augustine Boakye and Benjamin Tetteh were introduced, adding fresh impetus as the visitors pressed for a route back into the match.

Their clearest chance arrived in the 76th minute. Yirenkyi got a shot away from inside the box, but Cote d'Ivoire goalkeeper Yahia Fofana made an important save to protect the home side's two-goal advantage.

Ghana came close again when Tetteh met a cross from Issahaku, only for the Ivorian defence to block his effort. Boakye then sent a curling attempt across the face of goal, narrowly missing the target as the home supporters breathed a sigh of relief.

Ghana were also forced into a defensive change after captain Alexander Djiku suffered an injury. Jonas Adjetey replaced him, while Ibrahim Sulemana came on for Oppong Peprah.

The Black Stars will now prepare for their second Group C qualifier, against The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 29, 2026.

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