Carlos Queiroz calls VAR implement in AFCON qualifiers after Ghana's defeat to Ivory Coast in opener

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has called for the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers following the Black Stars' 2-0 defeat by Ivory Coast.

Ghana began their Group C campaign with a defeat in Bouaké on Thursday, with Malick Yalcouyé putting the hosts ahead shortly before half-time at the Stade de Bouaké.

The Elephants doubled their advantage early in the second half after referee awarded a penalty when Ghana winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku was judged to have fouled Yalcouyé inside the box.

Franck Kessié converted the spot-kick to give the reigning African champions a 2-0 victory.

While Queiroz praised Ivory Coast for their performance, the Ghana coach was highly critical of the officiating and questioned why VAR was not available.

“Nothing to do with Ivory Coast; they played very well, they played very well, all players played very well, congratulations, but I cannot give the congratulations to the referee,” Queiroz said.

The 73-year-old questioned the absence of VAR in a major African competition and argued that the technology could help referees make key decisions more accurately.

“Why don't we have VAR in Africa? What is the reason we don't have VAR in one African Cup of Nations?” he asked.

“We don't have VAR to help the referee to make the game fair.”

Queiroz, who was born in Mozambique, said his frustration was heightened by what he described as recurring problems with refereeing in African football.

“I was born in Mozambique, I grew up here, I'm tired of these situations, of these referees that don't do a good job,” he added.

The defeat leaves Ghana without a point from their opening Group C fixture, while Ivory Coast move to the top of the group with three points.

The Black Stars will look to respond when they host Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 29 September.