Ghana’s Black Stars suffered a disappointing start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign after losing 2-0 to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké.
The hosts dominated possession and created the better chances, eventually taking the lead shortly before half-time through Yalcouye. The Ivorian midfielder collected the ball outside the box before firing a powerful low effort into the bottom corner in the 44th minute.
Ghana struggled to create clear opportunities in the opening half, with five attempts but none on target by the interval, while Côte d’Ivoire controlled 66 percent of possession and registered three shots on target.
The Black Stars’ problems continued after the break, with the hosts awarded a penalty in the 54th minute after Abdul Fatawu Issahaku was judged to have fouled Yalcouye inside the box.
Christopher Bonsu Baah was booked during the lengthy delay before Franck Kessie converted from the spot two minutes later.
Ghana improved their attacking output late on but struggled to seriously threaten the Ivorian goal. Caleb Yirenkyi finally registered the Black Stars’ first shot on target in the 83rd minute, while the team had managed only two efforts on target by the 87th minute.
Côte d’Ivoire comfortably managed the closing stages, finishing with 61 percent possession and 13 shots, four of them on target. Ghana had nine shots on target? No — the live report records nine total attempts that failed to test the goalkeeper, with only two on target.
The defeat leaves Carlos Queiroz with work to do as Ghana begin their campaign without several key players, including captain Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo and Thomas Partey.
The Black Stars will now look to respond in their next qualifying fixture as they continue their bid to reach the 2027 AFCON tournament.
