Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has backed Ghana to respond in the return fixture after the team suffered a 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match in Bouaké.
Despite the defeat, Queiroz said he remained confident about Ghana’s ability to beat Côte d’Ivoire when the two sides meet again in Accra.
The Black Stars were beaten by goals from the hosts in the Group C encounter, leaving Ghana needing to recover in the remaining qualifiers.
Carlos Queiroz Statement: Ghana Will Win in Accra
Speaking after the match, Queiroz said he had no doubt Ghana would win when Côte d’Ivoire travel to Accra for the return fixture.
The Portuguese coach also said the result would not affect his team’s morale or belief.
He praised his players for their fighting spirit and said Ghana created opportunities during the match but failed to convert them.
According to Queiroz, Côte d’Ivoire had greater possession at certain stages, but he believed Ghana created attacking opportunities of its own.
Ghana vs Ivory Coast Result: Black Stars Struggle to Find the Net
Ghana’s major problem in the match was its inability to turn attacking opportunities into goals.
Queiroz said the Black Stars had several clear opportunities but failed to score.
Côte d’Ivoire, meanwhile, took advantage of its opportunities and established a lead before adding a second goal.
The result gives the Ivorians an early advantage in the Group C qualifying campaign.
Queiroz Wants Quick Recovery
With the opening match now concluded, Queiroz said the focus is on recovering the players and preparing for Ghana’s next assignment.
The coach said the team would now turn its attention to the next qualifier and work toward securing a victory at home.
The Black Stars’ qualification campaign is therefore far from over, with Ghana still having further matches to play in the group.
What the Defeat Means for Ghana’s AFCON Qualifiers
The loss means Ghana did not begin the 2027 AFCON qualification campaign with points.
However, one defeat does not determine the final outcome of the qualifying group, and the Black Stars still have opportunities to collect points in subsequent matches.
Ghana is competing in Group C, alongside Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia and Somalia.
The team will therefore need to manage the remaining fixtures carefully as it seeks qualification for the tournament.
Ghana’s Next Match and Challenge
The immediate focus for the Black Stars is the next qualifying assignment.
The team will also have further international fixtures ahead, including a planned friendly against Morocco in October.
Queiroz has emphasised recovery and preparation as Ghana looks to move forward from the Ivory Coast result.
Key Details at a Glance
- Opponent: Côte d’Ivoire
- Competition: 2027 AFCON qualifiers
- Result: Côte d’Ivoire 2–0 Ghana
- Venue: Stade de la Paix, Bouaké
- Ghana coach: Carlos Queiroz
- Group: Group C
- Other teams: Gambia and Somalia
- Queiroz’s message: Ghana will seek victory when Côte d’Ivoire visit Accra
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire?
Côte d’Ivoire defeated Ghana 2-0 in the opening Group C AFCON 2027 qualifier.
What did Carlos Queiroz say after the defeat?
Queiroz said he was proud of his players and expressed confidence that Ghana would beat Côte d’Ivoire when they meet again in Accra.
Is Ghana out of the AFCON qualifiers?
No. The defeat was Ghana’s opening Group C match, with further qualifying fixtures remaining.
Who is Ghana playing in Group C?
Ghana is in Group C with Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia and Somalia.
The Black Stars will now have to put the opening defeat behind them and focus on collecting points from their remaining qualifying matches.
Queiroz Speaks After Black Stars Lose 2-0 to Ivory Coast [VIDEO]
🗣️ Carlos Queiroz shared his thoughts on the penalty, saying, “I feel it’s my responsibility to stand up for this team. I have the right to point out when something goes wrong.
I really hope CAF doesn’t take action against me for voicing my opinions and standing up for Ghana. pic.twitter.com/B60bjbE33I
— Gracias leo zeus (@Beecroft_) September 25, 2026
