By Simon Asare, GNA
Accra, Sept. 24, GNA – The Black Stars of Ghana suffered a 2-0 defeat to hosts Ivory Coast in their opening Group qualifier for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake on Thursday.
A first-half strike from Malick Yalcouye and a second-half penalty converted by Franck Kessie secured victory for the Elephants, who made a winning start under returning coach Herve Renard.
With several key players unavailable, newly reappointed Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz handed goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi a starting role, while Brandon Thomas Asante led the attack.
The hosts dominated possession in the opening stages, with Yan Diomande proving a constant threat down the left flank and repeatedly troubling Ghana right-back Kojo Oppong Peprah.
Despite Ivory Coast’s control, Ghana created a rare opening when Ernest Nuamah attempted an ambitious long-range effort from about 35 yards, but his strike drifted wide of the target.
The pressure eventually paid off for the Elephants in the 44th minute as Yalcouye unleashed a powerful effort that beat Ati-Zigi to hand the home side a deserved lead heading into the break.
Ghana emerged for the second half with greater purpose and enjoyed more possession, but struggled to penetrate the Ivorian defence, with Brandon Thomas Asante often left isolated in attack.
The hosts doubled their advantage after being awarded a penalty when Yalcouye went down under a challenge from Fawatu Issahaku inside the area. The decision appeared soft, but referee pointed to the spot, and Kessie calmly converted from 12 yards to make it 2-0.
The Black Stars pushed for a way back into the match and nearly reduced the deficit in the 77th minute when Caleb Yirenkyi found space inside the box, only for goalkeeper Yahia Fofana to produce an excellent save.
Substitute Benjamin Tetteh also came close in the closing stages as Ghana searched desperately for a breakthrough, but Fofana was again equal to the task to preserve Ivory Coast’s clean sheet.
The Ivorians held onto their lead and recorded all three points to gain an early advantage in their qualification campaign, while Ghana would need to respond quickly in their next fixture against The Gambia.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Simon Asare
Email: [email protected]