Côte d’Ivoire began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign on a winning note after defeating Ghana’s Black Stars 2-0 in their Group C opener on Thursday night.
Malick Yalcouye and Franck Kessie were on target for the Elephants, with their goals securing a valuable three points for the hosts and handing Ghana a disappointing start to the qualifiers.
The Black Stars adopted a cautious approach from the opening stages, sitting deep and looking to exploit spaces on the counter whenever opportunities arose.
Côte d’Ivoire, however, enjoyed the greater share of possession and created more pressure in the attacking third. Ousmane Diomande was particularly influential, repeatedly testing Ghana’s defence from the right side.
Despite controlling much of the game, the hosts initially struggled to find a way past Ghana’s organised backline.
Ghana came close to taking the lead in the 18th minute when Ernest Nuamah broke forward and unleashed a powerful effort. His attempt, however, struck the post and stayed out.
The Elephants maintained their pressure as the first half progressed and eventually found the breakthrough moments before the interval.
In the 45th minute, Yalcouye was given room outside the penalty area and took advantage with a powerful strike that flew past Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare to put Côte d’Ivoire 1-0 ahead at half-time.
Ghana emerged from the break with a more attacking approach and began pushing higher up the pitch in search of an equaliser.
The Black Stars created opportunities to move into dangerous areas, but Côte d’Ivoire remained disciplined defensively while continuing to pose a threat whenever they broke forward.
The hosts were awarded a penalty after Yalcouye made his way into Ghana’s box before being brought down by Abdul Fatawu Issahaku.
Kessie took responsibility from the spot and made no mistake, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to extend Côte d’Ivoire’s lead to 2-0.
Carlos Queiroz responded by making three substitutions as he looked to change the momentum of the match and give Ghana greater attacking impetus.
The changes, however, did not result in the comeback the Black Stars were hoping for.
Ghana produced another promising move in the 75th minute when Augustine Boakye drove forward, but the final touch from Caleb Yirenkyi failed to seriously test the Ivorian defence.
The visitors continued to search for a way back into the contest as the final minutes approached.
Afena-Gyan also came close to reducing the deficit with a well-timed header, but Côte d’Ivoire goalkeeper Yahia Fofana reacted well to keep the attempt out.
Côte d’Ivoire ultimately saw out the game without further trouble, securing a 2-0 victory and three points from their opening Group C fixture.
The Black Stars will now turn their attention to their next qualifier as they look to recover from the defeat and strengthen their position in the group.
By: Prince Martey-Sogar.