Ivory Coast vs Ghana | 2027 AFCON Qualifiers
Malick Yalcouyé has been at the heart of Ivory Coast's attack against Ghana: after scoring the opener, he won the penalty converted by Franck Kessié, while Yan Diomande has also been a constant threat. Watch the highlights from this Group C clash.
Ivory Coast and Ghana opened their campaign in the 2027 AFCON Qualifiers with an important Group C matchup.
The Elephants found the breakthrough just before halftime through Malick Yalcouyé, who scored in the 44th minute to give Ivory Coast the lead.
Yalcouyé continued to make the difference after the break. The scorer of the opening goal was fouled inside the penalty area, giving Ivory Coast the opportunity to extend its advantage from the spot.
Franck Kessié stepped up and converted the penalty in the 58th minute to make it 2-0.
Yan Diomande keeps Ghana's defense busy
Yan Diomande has also been one of Ivory Coast's most active attacking players, adding another threat for a Ghana defense forced to deal with sustained pressure from the Elephants.
But Yalcouyé has emerged as the central figure of the match, directly influencing both goals with his opener and the foul he drew for Kessié's penalty.
An important early battle in Group C
Ivory Coast and Ghana share Group C with Gambia and Somalia, making this head-to-head meeting an important early matchup in the race to reach the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ivory Coast took control through Yalcouyé's impact before Kessié's 58th-minute penalty increased the advantage.
