Omanghana
Ghana’s Black Stars made a losing start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, going down 2-0 to Côte d’Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on Thursday, September 24.
Malick Yalcouyé put the hosts ahead shortly before half-time, and Franck Kessié converted a penalty after the break to give the Elephants all three points in the opening Group C fixture. Ghana now face an early test as they seek to qualify for the tournament, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
The match remained goalless for much of the first half before Yalcouyé broke through in the 44th minute. Kessié supplied the midfielder, who found space near the edge of Ghana’s penalty area and drove his shot past goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi. Côte d’Ivoire carried their 1-0 lead into the interval.
Ghana needed a quick response after the restart, but the hosts extended their advantage in the 58th minute. Côte d’Ivoire were awarded a penalty following a foul on Yalcouyé, and captain Kessié scored from the spot to make it 2-0.
Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz turned to his bench, introducing Félix Afena-Gyan, Augustine Boakye and Benjamin Tetteh as Ghana pushed forward. Caleb Yirenkyi came closest to scoring in the 76th minute, but Ivorian goalkeeper Yahia Fofana saved his attempt from inside the box. Tetteh later had a shot blocked, while Boakye sent a curling effort across the face of goal.
Ghana were without Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, Antoine Semenyo and Jordan Ayew for the away fixture. Queiroz’s starting side included debutants Kojo Oppong Peprah, Christopher Bonsu Baah and Brandon Thomas-Asante, with Alexander Djiku captaining the team. Djiku was later forced off by injury.
The result gives Côte d’Ivoire a winning start in a group that also contains The Gambia and Somalia. Ghana remain without a point after one match, with five qualifying fixtures still to play. Their next opportunity comes on Tuesday, September 29, when they host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Source: Omanghana
