AFCON Qualifiers: Black Stars suffer poor start to AFCON 2027 qualifying

Ghana Vs Ivory Coast

Ghana suffered a 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast in Bouake to make a losing start to their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign, as goals from Malick Yalcouye and Franck Kessie sealed victory for the Elephants.

Ghana beaten by Ivory Coast in AFCON 2027 qualifying opener...

Ghana endured a poor start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, losing 2-0 to Ivory Coast at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on Thursday.

Malick Yalcouyé broke the deadlock late in the first half before Franck Kessié doubled the Elephants’ lead from the penalty spot after Yalcouyé was fouled by Abdul Fatawu Issahaku.

Carlos Queiroz’s men struggled to impose themselves for long periods as Ivory Coast dominated possession and carved out the clearer chances.

Ghana had the first sight of goal when Ernest Nuamah fired wide from distance after spotting goalkeeper Yahia Fofana off his line.

Ivory Coast gradually took charge, with Nicolas Pepe forcing Lawrence Ati-Zigi into a save after cutting inside before Ghana were dealt a decisive blow in the 44th minute.

Yalcouye collected the ball outside the area and unleashed a powerful right-footed strike, beating Ati-Zigi at his near post to give the hosts a half-time lead.

Ghana tried to respond after the break but struggled to create clear chances against a well-organised Ivorian defence.

The hosts were awarded a penalty in the 58th minute after Yalcouye went down under a challenge from Issahaku inside the box. Ghana’s players protested the decision, but the referee pointed to the spot.

Kessie stepped up and coolly converted to put Ivory Coast two goals clear.

Queiroz responded with a triple substitution in the 64th minute, bringing on Felix Afena-Gyan, Benjamin Tetteh and Augustine Boakye for Ernest Nuamah, Brandon Thomas-Asante and Christopher Bonsu Baah.

The changes added urgency to Ghana’s attack, with Tetteh and Caleb Yirenkyi both testing the Ivorian defence late on.

Afena-Gyan and Boakye also came close in stoppage time, but Ghana could not beat Fofana as Ivory Coast held on for a comfortable win.

🏁 Full-time in Bouaké.

🇨🇮 Côte d’Ivoire 2️⃣-0️⃣ Ghana 🇬🇭#BlackStars | #AFCON2027Q

— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) September 24, 2026

Ghana's attacking struggles persist under Queiroz

The defeat again exposed Ghana's problems in front of goal under Queiroz. The Black Stars have found it difficult to create clear opportunities under the Portuguese coach, and converting the few chances they get remains a major concern.

Ghana had several promising attacking moments against Ivory Coast but failed to make them count, continuing a familiar pattern from Queiroz's tenure.

The Black Stars scored only twice in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup and did not manage a shot on target in their Round of 32 loss to Colombia.

Against Ivory Coast, Ghana eventually recorded two shots on target, but neither was enough to alter the outcome.

Under Queiroz, Ghana have managed only eight shots on target and created five big chances in five competitive matches.

The result leaves Ghana bottom of Group C after the opening round of fixtures, with The Gambia and Somalia yet to play their first game.

The Black Stars will have a chance to respond when they host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 29 before travelling to face Morocco in a friendly against the Atlas Lions on October 4.