GHANA BEATEN BY CÔTE D’IVOIRE IN 2027 AFCONQ OPENER

Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying got off to a dissatisfaction start as the Black Stars fell to a 2-0 defeat against Cote D’ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Carlos Quiroz’s side struggled to make their possession count, with the hosts looking more threatening as the first half progressed. Côte d’Ivoire eventually found the breakthrough just before the interval when debutant Malick Yalcouye picked up the ball outside the Ghana penalty area and fired a stunning effort beyond Lawrence Ati- ZiGi in the 44th minute Ghana needed a quick response after the restart but instead fell further behind. frank Kessie was presented with the opportunity to extend the home side’s advantage from the penalty spot after Malick Yalcouye was brought down in the box and made no mistake sending Ati-ZiGi the wrong way to make it 2-0 The Black stars attempted to push forward but their attacking play lacked the cutting edge required to seriously trouble Yahia Fofana in the Ivorian goal. Caleb Yirenkyi came closest to pulling one back when her found and opening inside the box in the second half but his effort was kept out by Fofana The result gives Cote D’ivoire three points from their opening Group C fixture, while Ghana leave Bouake empty handed. The black stars will now turn their attention to Gambia when they face them in Accra on September 29,2026. With three points already dropped, Ghana will be looking to put the Bouake setback behind them and produce a stronger response in their next Group C assignment