Ghana faltered in the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers following a 2-0 loss to Ivory Coast in the Group C opener on Thursday.
Brighton’s Malick Yalcouye and Atalanta’s Franck Kessié got the goals for the Elephants.
It was a cagey encounter at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké as one of the bitterest rivalries in African football was renewed.
It got a little heated in the opening minutes as strong play from both sides kept the score barren until the 44th minute when an audacious attempt at goal paid off for Yalcouye in his first game for his country.
.He couldn’t hide his joy of replicating club form at the international level as he ran across the stadium to cheers from fans.
In the second half of the game, he continued from where he left off as a move into the box saw him brought down by Premier League mate Abdul-Fatawu Issahaku albeit softly.
Former FC Barcelona and Atalanta midfielder Kessie made no mistake as he doubled the lead from the spot for the ivorians.
It ended 2-0 as the Elephants continue their recent dominance over the Black Stars. .