Ghana’s Black Stars began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a disappointing 2–0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on Thursday night, as goals from Malick Yalcouyé and Franck Kessié handed the hosts an early advantage in Group C.

The highly anticipated West African derby at the Stade de la Paix produced a competitive contest, with Ghana showing resilience for long spells despite travelling with a side affected by the absence of several established players.

However, the Elephants made their key moments count to secure maximum points and leave the Black Stars facing an immediate need to respond in their next qualifier.

Ghana started with intent and attempted to keep their shape against a Côte d’Ivoire side backed by a passionate home crowd. The Black Stars defended with discipline in the opening stages and looked to use quick transitions to trouble their hosts.

But the home side gradually took control of possession and increased their pressure as half-time approached.

Côte d’Ivoire eventually found the breakthrough shortly before the interval when Yalcouyé struck to give the hosts the lead. The goal was a major setback for Ghana, who had worked hard to contain the Elephants and remain in the contest.

The Black Stars returned for the second half needing a positive response, but their task became significantly harder after Côte d’Ivoire were awarded a penalty. Abdul Fatawu Issahaku was adjudged to have fouled Yalcouyé inside the box, a decision Ghana strongly disputed.

Former AC Milan midfielder Kessié stepped up and calmly converted the penalty to make it 2–0, giving the Ivorian side a commanding advantage.

Black stars head coach Carlos Queiroz expressed frustration after the match, particularly over the penalty decision and the lack of Video Assistant Referee technology in the qualifying campaign. Queiroz questioned why VAR was unavailable, arguing that a review could have helped the officials reassess the incident.

Despite the defeat, the Portuguese coach praised the character and commitment of his players, many of whom were making significant contributions in a difficult away fixture against one of Africa’s strongest teams.

Black Stars defender Alexander Djiku also called for an improvement in Ghana’s approach as the team prepares for a quick turnaround. Djiku said the side showed fight, but admitted the first-half goal and the disputed second-half penalty made it difficult for Ghana to find a way back into the game.

The result leaves Ghana without a point after the opening round of Group C fixtures, while Côte d’Ivoire move to the top of the standings with three points. The Black Stars must now regroup quickly and turn their attention to a crucial home assignment.

Ghana will face The Gambia on Tuesday, September 29, at the Accra Sports Stadium in their second AFCON 2027 qualifying match. The encounter offers Queiroz’s side an opportunity to respond in front of home supporters and get their campaign back on track.

With qualification pressure already building after the setback in Bouaké, the Black Stars will be targeting a convincing performance and all three points against the Gambians. Ghana’s meeting with The Gambia is scheduled for 4:00 pm GMT at the Accra Sports Stadium.