Côte d’Ivoire begin CAN 2027 campaign with Ghana win

Côte d’Ivoire have made a positive start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign by defeating Ghana in the opening round. The victory gives the Elephants an early advantage in Group C, where they are joined by Gambia and Somalia. It also puts them ahead of Ghana, one of the principal rivals in the group, after the first round of matches.

The Ivorians won 2-0 against the Black Stars on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké. Malick Yalcouyé opened the scoring for Côte d’Ivoire, while captain Franck Kessié completed the result by converting a penalty.

The home side turned its control of the contest into a two-goal lead and kept Ghana from finding a response. The result gives Côte d’Ivoire three points at the start of the continental qualification campaign and leaves the team in a favourable position before its next fixture against Somalia.

Ghana will need a result in the second round to revive its progress in the group. Côte d’Ivoire, meanwhile, can build on the opening win as the Elephants continue their pursuit of a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.