Ghana’s opening assignment in the race for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations ended in disappointment on Thursday, as hosts Côte d’Ivoire came away with a 2-0 win over the Black Stars at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké.
A goal before half-time and a converted penalty in the second period proved decisive, with the Ivorians controlling large stretches of the Group C encounter.
Ghana, fielding a youthful side under scrutiny after missing out on the previous tournament in Morocco, competed for large periods but were undone by a strike shortly before the interval that captain Alexander Djiku described as having “killed us a little bit” psychologically heading into the second half.
The night took a further turn for the worse when Djiku, Ghana’s experienced centre-back, was withdrawn in the second half after aggravating a side injury he had carried into the match.
The defender revealed after the game that he had been managing the issue for close to three weeks but pushed to be involved given the occasion.
Speaking to reporters after the final whistle, Djiku explained the circumstances behind his fitness gamble and eventual withdrawal.
I get pain, but I had this three weeks ago. For my nation, I wanted to be there because many players enjoyed it, so I wanted to force it. In the first half, when I tackled one time on the side, I felt it, and at half-time I felt it a lot more.” Alexander Djiku
The defender said he would assess his condition over the coming days as Ghana prepare for a quick turnaround, with the Black Stars set to host The Gambia in their second Group C fixture.
I will see during the next day how I can recover, but I will do everything to be ready for the next game,” Djiku said.
Beyond his own fitness situation, Djiku pointed to broader lessons for a Ghana side missing several experienced faces.
We have to improve our approach,” he admitted, before offering credit to a squad containing a number of uncapped and fringe players thrust into a high-pressure away qualifier. “I think we fought well as a team, with a lot of young guys. I’m proud of them.”
Djiku was measured but pointed in his assessment of the game’s pivotal moment, a penalty awarded to the hosts that put the contest out of reach.
This penalty was no fault, for me. I don’t like to speak about the referee, but I think he killed the game after 2-0, it’s difficult to come back,”
he said, stopping short of further criticism of the officiating.