The Elephants of Côte d'Ivoire claimed a convincing 2-0 win over the Black Stars of Ghana on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké. This match marked the beginning of the qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), which is set to take place in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The Ivorian team's victory was a significant start to their campaign.
Following the match, the coaches of both teams, Carlos Queiroz and Hervé Renard, participated in a press conference to analyze the game and their players' performances. The Ghanaian coach acknowledged that his team was outmaneuvered and outpossessed by the Elephants. He mentioned that they had opted for a vertical game plan to disrupt the Ivorian defense but expressed disappointment with their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Carlos Queiroz, the Portuguese coach of Ghana, voiced his discontent with certain refereeing decisions, particularly the penalty awarded to Côte d'Ivoire, which he described as a "joke." He also lamented the absence of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in these qualifiers. Despite the loss, Queiroz expressed confidence in his team and emphasized the need for them to focus on recovery and preparation for their upcoming home match against Gambia.
Hervé Renard, the coach of Côte d'Ivoire, praised his players for their seriousness and determination on what he considered a challenging pitch. He appreciated the support from the Stade de la Paix's crowd, who cheered the Elephants on throughout the match. Renard stressed the importance of maintaining focus and balance in the upcoming fixtures, taking it one step at a time.
The Ivorian coach highlighted the contributions of players like Yan Diomandé, who provided an offensive boost, and Malick Yalcouyé, who was making his debut for the national team. The match was sponsored by Orange Côte d'Ivoire, the official partner of the Ivorian national football team. The energy in the stadium was palpable, with fans galvanizing the team.
The victory sets a positive tone for Côte d'Ivoire's CAN 2027 qualification campaign. The team will look to build on this momentum in their subsequent matches. The absence of VAR technology in these qualifiers has been noted, with some coaches expressing concerns about its impact on match outcomes.
The next match for the Black Stars of Ghana is at home against Gambia, a crucial fixture in their qualification campaign. The team will aim to bounce back from this defeat and secure a positive result. For Côte d'Ivoire, the focus will be on sustaining their form and navigating the challenges ahead in the qualifiers.
Key points
- Côte d'Ivoire's national team secured a 2-0 victory over Ghana's Black Stars.
- The match was part of the CAN 2027 qualification campaign.
- The Ivorian team's coach, Hervé Renard, praised his players' performance and emphasized the need for sustained focus.
