2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Malick Yalcouyé opens the scoring for Ivory Coast against Ghana in Bouaké

Ivory Coast’s dominance over the Black Stars was rewarded towards the end of the first half.

The clash between Ivory Coast and Ghana is living up to expectations at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké. The two sides are facing off on the opening day of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Elephants dictated the pace during the first 45 minutes. Nicolas Pépé and Yan Diomande initially missed two big chances before the deadlock was broken.

Malick Yalcouyé found the back of the Ghanaian net in the 44th minute. The Brighton midfielder opened the scoring for Ivory Coast following an assist from captain Franck Kessié, 1–0.

The two teams headed into the break with the Elephants holding a narrow lead in front of their home crowd. Hervé Renard’s team are in an excellent position going into the second half.