Ghana made a disappointing start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on Thursday.
Malick Yalcouye opened the scoring late in the first half before Franck Kessie doubled the Elephants’ advantage from the penalty spot after Yalcouyé was adjudged to have been brought down by Fatawu Issahaku.
Carlos Queiroz’s side struggled to impose themselves for long periods as Ivory Coast controlled possession and created the better opportunities.
Ghana had the first sight of goal when Ernest Nuamahfired wide from outside the box after spotting goalkeeper Yahia Fofana off his line.
Ivory Coast gradually took control, with Nicolas Pepeforcing Lawrence Ati-Zigi into a save after cutting inside before Ghana were dealt the decisive blow in the 44th minute.
Yalcouye received the ball outside the box and produced a powerful right-footed shot, beating Ati-Zigi at his near post and sending the hosts into half-time with the lead.
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