2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Thomas-Asante calls on fans to back Black Stars despite Ivory Coast defeat

Forward Brandon Thomas-Asante has called on Ghanaians to get behind the Black Stars as they seek to bounce back from their opening defeat in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Ghana began their Group C campaign with a 2-0 loss to Côte d'Ivoire in Bouaké on Thursday night, with Malick Yalcouye and Franck Kessie scoring to give the hosts all three points at the Stade de Bouaké.

Despite the setback, Thomas-Asante says the players are determined to respond positively and deliver a stronger performance in their next outing.

"Actually, we are all Ghanaians; we are fans as well as players. We want to win these games, so when we go to Gambia, we are going to put things right," he told Agogo Sports Daily.

"By then we are at home, and we have got our people (fans) behind us, so we are going to give our all."

The Coventry City forward believes the backing of the home crowd could play a crucial role as Ghana look to recover from their disappointing start to the qualifying campaign.

The defeat leaves the Black Stars without a point after their opening match, while Côte d'Ivoire sit top of Group C with three points.

Carlos Queiroz's side will have an immediate chance to respond when they host Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 29 September, with Ghana aiming to secure their first points of the qualifiers.