Ghana's Black Stars suffered a 2-0 defeat to Côte d'Ivoire in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké. The match saw Côte d'Ivoire's Franck Kessié convert a penalty in the 58th minute, doubling their lead after Malick Yalcouyé had opened the scoring shortly before half-time. The penalty was awarded after Black Stars winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku was adjudged to have fouled Yalcouyé inside Ghana's penalty area.
Fatawu Issahaku has questioned the decision to award Côte d'Ivoire a penalty, claiming he was trying to prevent Yalcouyé from getting a shot away and did not touch him. Issahaku explained that he went for a tackle, not to kick Yalcouyé, and disagreed with referee Mustapha Ghorbal's decision. He expressed his disappointment, stating that everyone could see what happened on the field and that he did not know why the referee took the penalty.
Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz also criticised the penalty decision after the match, believing that Ghana were still capable of getting back into the game when the penalty was awarded. The defeat means Ghana have started their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign without a point, while Côte d'Ivoire have taken an early lead in Group C. The Black Stars went into the match without several key players, including Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, Antoine Semenyo, and Jordan Ayew.
Côte d'Ivoire, meanwhile, had a strong start under returning coach Hervé Renard. The Ivorian team took advantage of Ghana's weakened squad, with Yalcouyé opening the scoring before Kessié's penalty. The win marked a positive start for Renard, who returned to the Ivorian national team ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The Black Stars are scheduled to face The Gambia in their second Group C qualifier in Accra on Tuesday, September 29. Ghana will look to bounce back from their disappointing loss and earn their first points in the qualifying campaign. The team will need to regroup and adjust to the absence of key players.
The penalty decision was one of the major talking points from Ghana's opening Group C fixture. Issahaku's challenge on Yalcouyé sparked controversy, with many questioning the referee's decision. The incident highlighted the importance of refereeing in football and the impact it can have on match outcomes.
The 2027 AFCON qualifiers continue with Ghana seeking to recover from their loss and secure a spot in the tournament. The Black Stars face a tough challenge in Group C, but with a strong squad and determination, they aim to make a comeback and qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Key points
- Fatawu Issahaku questioned the penalty decision awarded to Côte d'Ivoire in their 2-0 win over Ghana.
- Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz also criticised the penalty decision after the match.
- The defeat leaves Ghana without points in Group C, while Côte d'Ivoire take an early lead.
