Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign began with disappointment on Thursday as the Black Stars went down 2-0 to hosts Ivory Coast at the Stade de la Paix, with a contentious second-half penalty award proving pivotal in the Group C encounter.
Malick Yalcouyé gave the Elephants the lead shortly before half-time, and Ivory Coast doubled their advantage in the 58th minute when captain Franck Kessié converted from the penalty spot after Fatawu Issahaku was judged to have fouled Yalcouyé inside the box.
The decision sparked immediate protests from the Black Stars players, and Issahaku himself was quick to question the call after the final whistle.
I didn’t go to kick him. I went so he can’t shoot. I don’t know why the referee made that decision,” the winger said, insisting he had nothing further to add on the matter but maintaining that replays showed no contact was made.
Head coach Carlos Queiroz was similarly critical of the officiating, describing the penalty as unjust and calling for the introduction of VAR technology in African qualifying fixtures to help match officials reach more accurate decisions in pivotal moments.
Ghana will look to bounce back when they host The Gambia in their next Group C fixture, while Ivory Coast travel to Somalia.