Queiroz calls Ghana penalty decision a ‘joke’ after defeat by Cote d’Ivoire

Carlos Queiroz has criticised the officiating of Ghana’s 2-0 defeat by Cote d’Ivoire, describing the penalty awarded to the hosts as “a joke”.

The Ghana manager was particularly unhappy with the decision by Algerian referee Mustapha Ghorbal to award Cote d’Ivoire a spot-kick during the opening match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign in Bouake.

The Black Stars, without several of their star players, had fallen behind when Malick Yalcouye opened the scoring. They were still attempting to find a way back into the match when Abdul Fatawu Issahaku was penalised for a foul on Yalcouye inside the Ghanaian penalty area.

Mustapha Ghorbal pointed to the spot and Franck Kessie converted, giving Cote d’Ivoire a 2-0 lead and what proved to be a decisive advantage.

Queiroz said he had watched the incident again on television after the final whistle before expressing his anger.

“This penalty is a joke. The penalty is a joke. I have just seen it on television,” the Portuguese manager said.

He argued that the decision had come at the most damaging moment for Ghana, who were only a goal behind and, in his view, still capable of changing the outcome.

“We were losing 1-0. I don’t think Cote d’Ivoire needed the referee to enter the match and create an unbalanced situation,” Queiroz added.

The Ghana manager acknowledged that he needed to remain “calm and polite”, despite his frustration with the decision.

Queiroz said his players had still been “fighting for their chances” when the penalty was awarded, which meant he regarded the incident as a major turning point in the contest.

His comments represented a strong criticism of Mustapha Ghorbal, one of Africa’s most experienced referees.

The result leaves Ghana bottom of Group C without a point after the first round of matches. Cote d’Ivoire move to the top of the group following their 2-0 home victory.

Queiroz’s side must now respond quickly when they face Gambia in Accra on 29 September. Ghana will be aiming to recover from the defeat and avoid a poor start to their qualifying campaign.

For Queiroz, however, the controversy in Bouake is likely to remain a significant part of the aftermath.

“Today it is us; tomorrow it will be Cote d’Ivoire,” he said.