Sports · Richard Boateng Opoku-Ofori

Ivory Coast beat GHANA 2-0 in Opening AFCON Qualifier

Ghana’s Black Stars began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, qualifying campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on Thursday.

The Black Stars were without several key players, including Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo, who missed the match due to injuries.

Ivory Coast dominated much of the first half and broke the deadlock in the 44th minute through Malick Junior Yalcouyé. The Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder made a brilliant run from midfield before firing a long-range shot past goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi to give the hosts the lead before halftime.

The Elephants continued to control the game after the break and doubled their advantage in the 54th minute. Franck Kessié converted from the penalty spot after Yalcouyé was brought down inside the penalty area.

Despite the setback, Ghana showed glimpses of attacking quality through Ernest Nuamah, Fatawu Issahaku and Christopher Bonsu Baah, but the Black Stars were unable to convert their chances.

Ghana came close to pulling one back late in the match, but an effort struck the goalpost as Ivory Coast secured all three points in the Group C encounter.

In the other Group C fixture, The Gambia will take on Somalia. Ghana will return home to face The Gambia in Accra on Tuesday, while Ivory Coast will travel to play Somalia on the same day.