Ghana’s road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations began with a painful 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké. Carlos Queiroz’s new-look Black Stars struggled to match the hosts and left the Stade de la Paix with plenty to fix.
The defeat was a tough reminder of the work ahead for Queiroz. Ghana missed the last AFCON tournament for the first time in 20 years and now face another demanding route back to the continental stage.
The Black Stars started with three debutants in Kojo Oppong Peprah, Christopher Bonsu Baah and Brandon Thomas-Asante. Caleb Yirenkyi and Kwasi Sibo formed the midfield, while Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Ernest Nuamah joined Bonsu Baah in support of Thomas-Asante.
Ghana showed flashes of threat but lacked a cutting edge. Nuamah tried his luck from distance after spotting Yahia Fofana away from his line, but his effort drifted wide.
Côte d’Ivoire gradually took control. The Elephants enjoyed most of the possession and began to push Ghana deeper as the first half wore on.
Malick Yalcouye then produced the breakthrough late in the opening half. The midfielder found space outside the Ghana box before sending a powerful low shot beyond Lawrence Ati-Zigi.
Ghana needed a response after the break. Instead, their task became harder when the referee awarded Côte d’Ivoire a penalty after Yalcouye went down in the box following a challenge involving Abdul Fatawu Issahaku.
Franck Kessie took responsibility from the spot. The experienced midfielder stayed calm and sent Ati-Zigi the wrong way to make it 2-0.
Queiroz reacted with attacking changes. Felix Afena-Gyan, Benjamin Tetteh and Augustine Boakye were introduced as Ghana searched for a route back into the match.
The substitutions brought more urgency, but Ghana still struggled to trouble Fofana. Yirenkyi finally forced a save in the closing stages, while Tetteh saw another effort blocked.
Boakye also came close with a curling effort that flashed across goal. The Ivorian defence survived the late pressure as the home crowd celebrated a controlled victory.
For Ghana, the result leaves no room for complacency. The Black Stars must now regroup quickly before facing The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 29.
