AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Ghana lacked inspiration in front of goal against Cote d’Ivoire – Carlos Queiroz

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has blamed a lack of inspiration in front of goal for the Black Stars’ 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Bouaké.

Ghana struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against the hosts, who secured all three points through goals from Malick Yalcouyé and Franck Kessié.

The result leaves Ghana bottom of Group C ahead of Friday’s meeting between The Gambia and Somalia.

Queiroz’s side entered the game hoping to make a strong start to their bid to return to the continental showpiece after missing the previous AFCON for the first time in 20 years.

However, injuries to several key players, including Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey, left Ghana without some of their main attacking options.

The Black Stars managed only limited opportunities during the contest, with Ernest Nuamah going closest in the first half with a long-range effort that went wide.

Ghana introduced Felix Afena-Gyan, Benjamin Tetteh and Augustine Boakye in the second half as Queiroz looked for a response.

Boakye and Afena-Gyan both came close in stoppage time, but Ghana could not find a way past the Ivorian defence.

Reflecting on the defeat, Queiroz said Ghana needed greater inspiration when chances arrived.

“I think the difference was that we lacked a little bit of inspiration in our strike in that moment.

“Augustine had a wonderful opportunity, a strike. Sibo had one strike, and Ernest had another strike on the feet.”

Ghana will face The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 29.