2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Alexander Djiku calls for improvement as Ghana seek response against Gambia

Ghana defender Alexander Djiku has urged the Black Stars to improve ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Gambia following Thursday's defeat by Côte d'Ivoire.

The four-time African champions began their Group C campaign with a 2-0 loss at the Stade de Bouaké, where Malick Yalcouyé and captain Franck Kessié scored to secure all three points for the hosts.

Djiku, who recently returned to the national team after missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup through injury, praised the commitment of Ghana's youthful squad but admitted the team must raise its level in the coming matches.

"We have to improve our approach. Of course, today I think we fought well as a team, with a lot of young guys, so I'm proud of them," he told 3Sports.

The Fenerbahçe centre-back also questioned the penalty decision that led to Côte d'Ivoire's second goal, believing it had a significant impact on the outcome of the match.

"Unfortunately, we conceded this goal before half-time, which killed us a little bit, but then I think this penalty was no fault and, for me, I don't like to speak about the referee, but I think he killed us again because after two nil it's difficult to come back," he added.

The defeat leaves Ghana without a point after their opening fixture, while Côte d'Ivoire top Group C on three points.

Carlos Queiroz's side will have an immediate opportunity to respond when they host Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 29 September, as they seek their first points of the qualifying campaign.