Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign got off to a disappointing start as the Black Stars fell to a 2-0 defeat against Côte d’Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on Thursday, September 24, 2026.

Carlos Queiroz’s side struggled to make their possession count, with the hosts looking more threatening as the first half progressed.

Côte d’Ivoire eventually found the breakthrough just before the interval when debutant Malick Yalcouyé picked up the ball outside the Ghana penalty area and fired a stunning effort beyond Lawrence Ati-Zigi in the 44th minute.

Ghana needed a quick response after the restart but instead fell further behind.
Franck Kessié was presented with the opportunity to extend the home side’s advantage from the penalty spot after Malick Yalcouyé was brought down in the box and made no mistake, sending Ati-Zigi the wrong way to make it 2-0.

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The Black Stars attempted to push forward, but their attacking play lacked the cutting edge required to seriously trouble Yahia Fofana in the Ivorian goal.

Caleb Yirenkyi came closest to pulling one back when he found an opening inside the box in the second half, but his effort was kept out by Fofana.

The result gives Côte d’Ivoire three points from their opening Group C fixture, while Ghana leave Bouaké empty-handed.

The Black Stars will now turn their attention to The Gambia when they face them in Accra on September 29, 2026.

With three points already dropped, Ghana will be looking to put the Bouaké setback behind them and produce a stronger response in their next Group C assignment.

Sibo de3 we know say wasa and no one expected nothing better from him but Yirenkyi?

He’s had some bad moments in a Black Stars jersey which is quite worrying

Do we need someone to unlock him?

— F.rankies♋️ (@frank_achie) September 24, 2026