2027 AFCON Qualifiers: "Uninspiring' Black Stars suffer 2-0 loss against dominant Ivory Coast in opener

Ghana began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-0 defeat by Ivory Coast in Bouaké, as Carlos Queiroz's return to competitive action ended in disappointment.

The Black Stars were second best for much of Thursday's Group C opener at the Stade de Bouaké, with first-half pressure from the hosts eventually rewarded before Franck Kessié's penalty after the break sealed victory for the reigning African champions.

Alexander Djiku captained Ghana in Queiroz's first competitive match since returning as head coach, but the visitors struggled to contain an energetic Ivorian attack throughout the contest.

Ivory Coast made the brighter start and almost took the lead in the sixth minute when Real Madrid forward Yan Diomandé fired narrowly wide.

The hosts continued to dictate possession and carved out further opportunities, with Nicolas Pépé unable to convert a promising opening in the 16th minute.

Ghana's best chance of the opening period came two minutes later when Ernest Nuamah intercepted a loose pass before sending a long-range effort wide.

Although the Black Stars gradually settled into the contest, they found it difficult to deal with Ivory Coast's movement in the final third. Djiku produced an important intervention to prevent another dangerous attack from troubling goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi, while Brandon Thomas-Asante lost his footing during a promising counter-attack as Ghana searched for a breakthrough.

After relentless pressure, Ivory Coast finally found the opening goal in the 44th minute. Brighton midfielder Malick Yalcouyé drove home a powerful finish after sustained pressure from the hosts, who had already registered eight attempts on goal.

Ghana reached half-time trailing 1-0 without registering a shot on target.

The Elephants resumed the second half in control and nearly doubled their advantage before Diomandé's dangerous low cross flashed across the face of goal without finding a teammate.

The decisive moment arrived in the 55th minute when Fatawu Issahaku brought down Yalcouyé inside the penalty area. Captain Kessié calmly converted the resulting spot-kick two minutes later to make it 2-0.

Queiroz responded with a triple substitution, introducing Benjamin Tetteh, Augustine Boakye and Felix Afena-Gyan for Nuamah, Thomas-Asante and Baah-Bonsu in an attempt to inject life into Ghana's attack.

The visitors suffered another setback when captain Djiku was forced off injured, with Jonas Adjetey replacing him, while Ibrahim Sulemana also came on for Kojo Oppong Peprah.

Ivory Coast coach Hervé Renard freshened up his side as the hosts comfortably managed the remainder of the contest.

Ghana showed flashes of promise late on but lacked the cutting edge to mount a comeback. A promising move involving Tetteh and Boakye broke down; Tetteh failed to make clean contact with Gideon Mensah's free-kick, and Afena-Gyan was unable to connect with another inviting delivery.

The Black Stars finished with just two shots on target as Ivory Coast secured a deserved victory.

The result sends the Elephants to the top of Group C on three points, while Ghana begin their qualifying campaign at the foot of the table, with Somalia and Gambia still to play their opening fixture.

Ghana will look to bounce back when they host Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, September 29, as they bid to return to the AFCON finals after missing out on the 2025 tournament in Morocco.