Some key Black Stars players who were expected to rise to the occasion performed below par, contributing to the team’s 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in their first game of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Goals from Malick Yalcouye and Franck Kessie sealed a comfortable win for the Ivorians as they kicked off their qualification campaign in style.

However, it was a disappointing performance for Ghanaians, especially following the failure of some key players to step up after several important players withdrew from the squad before the game.

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In defence, Christopher Bonsu Baah and Gideon Mensah struggled in tackling and winning the ball. In midfield, Caleb Yirenkyi and Kwasi Sibo were largely outplayed, which affected the team’s overall performance.

Attackers Ernest Nuamah and Fatawu Issahaku, known for their blistering pace and ability to take on defenders on the wings, were shadows of themselves as they failed to create chances or trouble the Elephants’ defence.

See the list of underperforming players below:

Gideon Mensah

Mensah was reasonably solid defensively but offered little threat going forward. Several of his deliveries into the box failed to find a Ghanaian player, although his passing into the final third was a positive, with seven of 10 attempts finding their target.

Kwasi Sibo

Sibo struggled to impose himself in the role designed to shield the defence. He finished the match with only 38 touches despite playing all 90 minutes and failed to win an aerial, ground or overall duel. Ghana needed more presence from the player stationed directly in front of the defence.

Caleb Yirenkyi

Yirenkyi had a night to forget. He and Sibo were slow to close down Yalcouye before the opening goal, allowing the Ivorian midfielder to take a touch, turn and advance before finding the finish.

Yirenkyi also missed a clear opportunity at the other end. Ghana need more from him in a midfield role where he is expected to provide control and protection.

Christopher Bonsu Baah

Bonsu Baah struggled to influence the game during his 64 minutes on the pitch. He occasionally appeared caught between shooting and finding a teammate, and Ghana ultimately got very little attacking production from his side of the pitch.

Abdul Fatawu Issahaku

Fatawu’s biggest contribution came in a negative moment, as he conceded the penalty from which Côte d’Ivoire scored their second goal.

He also lost possession 11 times, the most of any player on the pitch, and struggled to make a meaningful impact when Ghana went forward.

Ernest Nuamah

Nuamah’s pace occasionally caused problems, but Côte d’Ivoire kept a close eye on him and limited his influence. He tried to create something with efforts from distance, but none seriously tested Yahia Fofana during his 64 minutes on the pitch.

SB/EB

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