Ghana’s Black Stars began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on Thursday night.
The Group C encounter at the Stade de la Paix remained goalless for much of the first half before Côte d’Ivoire broke the deadlock shortly before the interval.
Malick Yalcouyé found space on the edge of Ghana’s penalty area and fired past goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Ghana returned after the break looking for an equaliser, but their task became more difficult when Côte d’Ivoire were awarded a penalty following a foul involving Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Yalcouyé.
Captain Franck Kessié stepped up and converted the spot-kick to double the hosts’ advantage.
Ghana search for a way back
With the Black Stars trailing by two goals, head coach Carlos Queiroz made attacking changes as Ghana attempted to get back into the contest.
Felix Afena-Gyan, Augustine Boakye and Benjamin Tetteh were introduced as Ghana pushed forward in search of a response.
The Black Stars’ best opportunity came in the second half when Caleb Yirenkyi tested Côte d’Ivoire goalkeeper Yahia Fofana from inside the box, but the goalkeeper made the save to preserve the home side’s two-goal lead.
According to analysis published by Citi Sports, Ghana did not register a shot on target until the 75th minute. The publication also highlighted difficulties in connecting midfield with attack and creating clear opportunities in the final third.
Queiroz defends his team
Despite the defeat, Carlos Queiroz said he was proud of the response from his players.
Speaking after the match, the Ghana coach praised the team’s effort following the difficult moments in the game. 3News reported that Queiroz said the Black Stars showed a positive response despite eventually losing the match.
The coach also questioned the penalty decision that led to Côte d’Ivoire’s second goal. 3News reported that Queiroz described the decision as controversial.
Ghana now turn attention to The Gambia
The defeat leaves Ghana without a point from their opening Group C fixture.
The Black Stars will now return home for their next qualifier against The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, September 29.
The match will give Ghana an immediate opportunity to respond after the setback in Côte d’Ivoire.
For Queiroz and his players, attention will now shift toward improving their attacking output and securing points on home soil as the qualification campaign continues.
The opening defeat means Ghana will be looking to make a strong response in Accra when The Gambia arrive for the second Group C fixture.
MBOS Sports Desk
Sources: Ghana Football Association, 3News, Citi Sports and Al Jazeera.
Source links:
Ghana Football Association match report
3News: Queiroz backs Ghana after defeat
Citi Sports match analysis
Al Jazeera match report