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CÔTE D’IVOIRE DEFEAT GHANA 2-0 AS YALCOUYÉ SHINES ON DEBUT
Côte d’Ivoire began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Ghana on Thursday, with Malick Yalcouyé marking his i...
By Wavers News
The Group C encounter in Bouaké saw the hosts take control of the contest and secure three points through goals from Yalcouyé and captain Franck Kessié.
YALCOUYÉ MAKES IMMEDIATE IMPACT
Yalcouyé, who plays for Brighton & Hove Albion, opened the scoring before half-time with a powerful effort from outside the penalty area.
The 20-year-old midfielder was making his first appearance for Côte d’Ivoire at senior international level and quickly became one of the standout players of the match.
His goal gave the home side a 1-0 advantage going into the interval.
KESSIÉ DOUBLES CÔTE D’IVOIRE’S LEAD
Côte d’Ivoire extended their advantage in the second half after Yalcouyé was brought down inside the Ghanaian penalty area.
The referee awarded a penalty, allowing captain Franck Kessié to step up and convert from the spot.
The goal put the Ivorians two goals ahead and left Ghana facing a difficult task to get back into the match.
Ghana introduced fresh attacking options as they searched for a response, but the Black Stars were unable to find a way past the Ivorian defence.
GHANA BEGIN QUALIFYING CAMPAIGN WITH DEFEAT
The result gives Côte d’Ivoire three points from their opening Group C fixture, while Ghana will have to regroup before their next qualifying match.
Ghana entered the game without several important players, including Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew and Antoine Semenyo, who were unavailable.
For Côte d’Ivoire, the victory also provided a positive start for coach Hervé Renard in his return to the national team.
The Elephants will now look to build on the result as the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign continues, while Ghana face the task of recovering from their opening defeat.