Côte d'Ivoire defeats Ghana 2-0 in AFCON 2027 qualifier

Côte d'Ivoire defeated Ghana 2-0 in their opening Group C match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké. The victory marks a successful return to the sidelines for Côte d'Ivoire coach Hervé Renard.

Malick Yalcouyé opened the scoring for the hosts in the 44th minute with a powerful strike from outside the penalty area. Côte d'Ivoire doubled their lead in the second half when Franck Kessié converted a penalty following a foul on Yalcouyé by Abdul Fatawu Issahaku. Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz criticized the penalty decision, labeling it ‘a joke’ and calling for the introduction of VAR in African football to ensure fairness.

Ghana entered the match facing significant challenges, including the absence of key players such as Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew, and Antoine Semenyo due to injury or personal reasons. The defeat leaves the Black Stars at the bottom of Group C. Ghana is scheduled to host The Gambia next on September 29.