2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Carlos Queiroz labels penalty decision a 'joke' after Ghana's defeat by Ivory Coast

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has criticised the penalty awarded to Côte d’Ivoire in the Black Stars' 2-0 defeat in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Thursday.

The four-time African champions were beaten in Bouaké after Malick Yalcouyé gave the hosts the lead shortly before half-time before Franck Kessié converted from the spot early in the second half.

The penalty was awarded after Ghana winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku was deemed to have fouled Yalcouyé inside the box, a decision Queiroz strongly disputed after reviewing the incident.

"That penalty, it's a joke. The penalty, it is a joke. I just saw it on the television," the Portuguese coach said after the match.

"Because I need to be quiet and polite. It was 1-0 down, 1-0 down. I don't think that Ivory Coast needed the referee to come inside the game and create an unbalanced situation."

Queiroz felt the decision came at a crucial moment, with Ghana still in the contest and looking for a way back after falling behind before the break.

"You guys who can see the television, it is a joke. It is a joke, that penalty," he added.

"And when we were 1-0 down, and we fought for our chances, we fought for our opportunities, comes somebody that should not play and make unbalanced the game."

The result leaves Ghana bottom of Group C after the opening round of fixtures, while Côte d’Ivoire move to the top of the standings with three points.

Queiroz's side will now look to bounce back when they host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 29 September.

The Black Stars are seeking a return to the Africa Cup of Nations after failing to qualify for the 2025 finals in Morocco, their first absence from the tournament in more than 20 years.