Ghana suffered a 2-0 defeat to Cote d'Ivoire in the opening Group C match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake on Thursday.

The Black Stars went into the game with a steady side that included debutants Kojo Oppong Peprah, Christopher Bonsu Baah and Brandon Thomas-Asante.

Caleb Yirenkyi and Kwasi Sibo partnered in midfield, with Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Ernest Nuamah and Christopher Bonsu Baah leading the attack in support of Brandon Thomas-Asante.

After a fairly balanced first half, the hosts broke the deadlock on the brink of half-time through debutant Malick Yalcouye. The midfielder found space on the edge of the Ghana penalty area before firing past goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi to give the Elephants a 1-0 lead at the interval.

Ghana needed a strong response after the restart, but the task became more difficult shortly after half-time when Cote d'Ivoire doubled their advantage after they were awarded a penalty following a foul on Malick Yacoulye. Captain Franck Yannick Kessie stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to make it 2-0.

Carlos Queiroz's side pushed forward in search of a way back into the game. Substitutes Felix Afena-Gyan, Augustine Boakye and Benjamin Tetteh brought added attacking impetus as Ghana continued to press.

Ghana's best opportunity came in the 76th minute when Caleb Yirenkyi had an effort from inside the box, but Cote d'Ivoire goalkeeper Yahia Fofana produced a fine save to preserve the hosts' two-goal cushion.

An injury to captain Alexander Djiku forced Queiroz to introduce Ibrahim Sulemana and Jonas Adjetey.

The defeat leaves Ghana without a point from their opening Group C fixture. The Black Stars will now turn their attention to their next qualifier against The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 29.

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