Côte d’Ivoire made a winning start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign, defeating Ghana 2-0 in the opening Group C fixture at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on Thursday.
The victory further strengthened Côte d’Ivoire’s recent dominance over Ghana in AFCON qualifying meetings. The Elephants have now gone five consecutive qualifying matches unbeaten against the Black Stars, recording four victories and one draw during that run.
Malick Yalcouyé and Franck Kessié Score for Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire took the lead just before half-time when Brighton midfielder Malick Yalcouyé found the net in the 44th minute.
Yalcouyé produced a powerful low finish from the edge of the penalty area after receiving an assist from Franck Kessié, giving the hosts a 1-0 advantage at the break.
Kessié then doubled Côte d’Ivoire’s lead in the 58th minute from the penalty spot. The midfielder calmly converted after Ghana committed a foul on Yalcouyé inside the area.
The two goals were enough to secure all three points for the Elephants, who controlled much of the game from the opening stages.
Côte d’Ivoire Dominate Possession Against Ghana
The home side dictated the tempo for long periods, enjoying 66% possession and registering 10 shots during the first half.
Ghana, under head coach Carlos Queiroz, struggled to turn possession into clear attacking opportunities. The Black Stars managed five off-target attempts in the opening 45 minutes but failed to seriously test the Côte d’Ivoire defence.
Ghana were also missing several important players for the encounter. Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew and Thomas Partey were among those unavailable because of injuries.
Côte d’Ivoire Move to the Top of Group C
The 2-0 victory gives Côte d’Ivoire three points from their opening 2027 AFCON qualifier, while Ghana remain without a point after Matchday 1.
Group C also includes The Gambia and Somalia, with all four nations competing for qualification to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana are scheduled to meet again on March 24, 2027, when the Black Stars will host the return fixture and look to overturn the first-leg defeat.
Ghana Under Pressure After Another AFCON Setback
The defeat adds to Ghana’s recent difficulties in African football. The Black Stars failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, ending their run of consecutive appearances at the tournament and representing a major setback for the four-time African champions.
Ghana last won the AFCON title in 1982 and will now be looking to recover quickly in the 2027 qualification campaign.
Côte d’Ivoire, meanwhile, have started their campaign with maximum points. The Elephants will aim to maintain their momentum as Group C continues.