AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Ivory Coast defeats Ghana as Gambia wins

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign for Group C has commenced with significant results for Ivory Coast, The Gambia, and Ghana.

Ivory Coast opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Ghana in Bouaké. Malick Yalcouyé scored the opening goal in the 44th minute, followed by a penalty from Franck Kessié. The win marks a successful return for coach Hervé Renard. This defeat leaves Ghana at the bottom of Group C, prompting coach Carlos Queiroz to consider major squad changes ahead of their next match.

The Gambia secured a 2-1 win against Somalia at the newly renovated Independence Stadium in Bakau. Ebrima Colley and Muhammed Badamosi provided the goals for the Scorpions, moving them to second place in the group.

In other Group L action, Nigeria secured a 2-1 comeback victory against Madagascar, with goals from George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor. The Super Eagles are now preparing to travel to Bissau for their upcoming fixture against Guinea-Bissau.

In Ivorian domestic football, Yamoussoukro FC made a notable debut in Ligue 1 by defeating the defending champions ASEC Mimosas 1-0.