2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Ghana created better chances despite Ivory Coast defeat - Carlos Queiroz

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz believes the Black Stars created the clearer scoring opportunities despite suffering a 2-0 defeat to Côte d'Ivoire in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Goals from Malick Yalcouye and Franck Kessie secured victory for the hosts at the Stade de Bouaké, sending Ivory Coast to the top of Group C with three points.

Although the Elephants controlled more of the ball, Queiroz argued that Ghana posed the greater threat in attack and produced enough chances to avoid defeat.

“In terms of possession, Côte d'Ivoire were better than us, but in terms of attacking penetration and creating opportunities, we were better,” he said.

The Black Stars were unable to turn those openings into goals, with Queiroz admitting his side lacked the cutting edge needed in front of goal.

“Unfortunately, we did not score. We had four clear opportunities to score in front of goal, but it didn't happen,” he added.

Augustine Boakye, Benjamin Tetteh and Kwasi Sibo were among Ghana's best chances as the visitors searched for an equaliser.

Queiroz said his side adopted a more direct approach during the game to trouble Ivory Coast's defence.

“We played a more vertical style with more vertical movements to attack the defensive line of Côte d'Ivoire,” he explained.

The Portuguese coach also pointed to the introductions of Benjamin Tetteh and Felix Afena-Gyan as changes that gave Ghana another attacking outlet and helped create further openings.

“We had enough opportunities to score. We have to improve in that department, to improve our ability to score because this is another game that we did not score,” Queiroz said.

The defeat leaves Ghana without a point after their opening Group C fixture, with an immediate opportunity to bounce back when they host Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 29 September.