Ivory Coast get off to a winning start against Ghana in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers

The Elephants secured a comfortable victory over the Black Stars on 24 September in Bouaké on the opening matchday of the campaign.

Ivory Coast have got their qualifying campaign for the next Africa Cup of Nations off to the perfect start. Playing at home, the Elephants gave Ghana no chance at the Stade de la Paix.

Hervé Renard’s side took control of the match from the first half. The Ivorians dominated early on but were unable to break the deadlock during the first 43 minutes.

But the breakthrough came from Malick Yalcouyé just before half-time. The Brighton midfielder opened the scoring in the 44th minute with a superb strike following a key pass from captain Franck Kessié. Ivory Coast went into the break 1–0 up.

The Elephants sealed their victory in the second half. Malick Yalcouyé, who had opened the scoring, won a penalty in the 56th minute. Franck Kessié coolly converted it to make it 2–0.

The Elephants gave the Black Stars no chance right up until the final whistle. Ivory Coast have thus made a good start to these qualifiers.