Côte d’Ivoire vs Ghana is underway in Bouaké, with the hosts leading 2-0 in the opening match of Group C qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Malick Yalcouyé opened the scoring in the 43rd minute before Franck Kessié converted a penalty shortly after half-time.
The match is being played at Stade de la Paix in Bouaké, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 GMT on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
Table of Contents
Côte D'ivoire Vs Ghana: Côte d’Ivoire take control before half-time
Yalcouyé put Côte d’Ivoire ahead with a right-footed finish after the home side had created the more dangerous chances during the opening period.
Franck Kessié provided the assist for the opening goal and then doubled the advantage from the penalty spot in the 57th minute.
The penalty was awarded after Malick Yalcouyé was brought down in the Ghana penalty area, giving Kessié the opportunity to send the ball into the top corner.
Côte d’Ivoire’s starting lineup includes goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, Evan Ndicka, Ousmane Diomande, Franck Kessié, Ibrahim Sangaré, Nicolas Pépé, Ange-Yoan Bonny and Yan Diomande.
Ghana began with Lawrence Ati-Zigi in goal and a defensive group featuring Alexander Djiku, Jerome Opoku, Gideon Mensah and Kojo Peprah Oppong.
What the result means for Group C
The fixture is the first of six group matches for each team in the qualifying race.
CAF has placed Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana in Group C alongside The Gambia and Somalia.
The first two sides in groups without a co-host are scheduled to qualify for the 2027 tournament, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027.
That structure makes the opening double-header important, with limited room for either former African champion to drop points early in the campaign.
What comes next
Ghana are scheduled to host The Gambia on September 29, while Côte d’Ivoire are set to travel to Somalia on the same matchday.
The Gambia and Somalia will meet on September 25 in the group’s other opening fixture.
Côte d’Ivoire entered the match under returning coach Hervé Renard, who selected several newcomers for the opening qualifiers.
Ghana are being led by Carlos Queiroz, whose squad has also been reshaped ahead of the continental qualifying campaign.
CAF’s official schedule lists Côte d’Ivoire against Ghana as the opening Group C fixture at 19:00 GMT on September 24.
The live match remains in progress, with Côte d’Ivoire holding a two-goal advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the score in Côte d’Ivoire vs Ghana?
Côte d’Ivoire lead Ghana 2-0 in the live AFCON 2027 qualifying match in Bouaké.
Who scored for Côte d’Ivoire?
Malick Yalcouyé scored in the 43rd minute and Franck Kessié converted a penalty in the 57th minute.
Where is Côte d’Ivoire vs Ghana being played?
The match is being played at Stade de la Paix in Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire.
What competition is Côte d’Ivoire vs Ghana part of?
It is the opening Group C match in qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Who else is in the AFCON qualifying group?
The Gambia and Somalia are the other two teams in Group C.
Fact-Checked: Key fixture, group, venue and tournament details were checked against CAF’s official qualifying information, while the live score and match events were checked against current match coverage.
Disclaimer: The score and match events may change while the fixture remains in progress.