BY Daniel Bampoe
Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign got off to a disappointing start after the Black Stars suffered a 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in their opening Group C encounter in Bouaké.
The Black Stars travelled to the Stade de la Paix hoping to begin their qualification campaign on a strong note after missing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Morocco. However, the hosts proved too strong, securing victory through goals from Malick Yalcouyé and Franck Kessié.
Yalcouyé broke the deadlock shortly before half-time, scoring in stoppage time to give the Ivorians a crucial advantage going into the interval.
Ghana struggled to produce a response after the break and were punished again when experienced midfielder Kessié converted from the penalty spot in the 58th minute to double Côte d’Ivoire’s lead.
The defeat represents a difficult beginning to Carlos Queiroz’s latest spell in charge of the Black Stars, with Ghana now facing the pressure of recovering points in their next qualifying fixture.
The Black Stars entered the campaign after a mixed 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ghana defeated Panama 1-0 in their opening group match, drew 0-0 with England and lost 2-1 to Croatia before being eliminated by Colombia following a 1-0 defeat in the Round of 32.
Ghana will now turn their attention to their second Group C qualifier against The Gambia on September 29, 2026, at the Accra Sports Stadium.
