Côte d’Ivoire began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Ghana in their Group C opener at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on Thursday. The Elephants took the lead shortly before half-time when debutant Malick Yalcouyé found space on the edge of……
Côte d’Ivoire began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Ghana in their Group C opener at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on Thursday.
The Elephants took the lead shortly before half-time when debutant Malick Yalcouyé found space on the edge of the penalty area and fired past Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi in the 44th minute.
Ghana attempted to respond after the break but conceded again in the 58th minute after Côte d’Ivoire were awarded a penalty following a foul on Yalcouyé.
Captain Franck Kessié stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to double the hosts’ advantage.
The Black Stars pushed forward in search of a way back into the game, with coach Carlos Queiroz introducing Felix Afena-Gyan, Augustine Boakye and Benjamin Tetteh.
However, Ghana struggled to create clear opportunities, with Côte d’Ivoire goalkeeper Yahia Fofana making a key save to deny Caleb Yirenkyi in the 76th minute.
Ghana were also without several key players, including Mohammed Kudus, while Jordan Ayew and Antoine Semenyo withdrew from the squad because of injuries.
The victory gives Côte d’Ivoire three points from their opening Group C fixture and a winning start to Hervé Renard’s second spell as head coach.
Ghana, meanwhile, begin their qualifying campaign without a point and will turn their attention to their next Group C fixture against The Gambia on September 29.
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