Fatawu 4, Sibo 4, Djiku 6: Check out Black Stars’ player ratings vs Côte d’Ivoire

Ghana’s 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké exposed several weaknesses in Carlos Queiroz’s side, with the Black Stars struggling to create enough in attack and failing to exert control in midfield.

Here is how the players rated after Thursday’s AFCON 2027 qualifier.

Lawrence Ati-Zigi – 5.0/10

Ati-Zigi conceded twice and will feel he could have done better with Côte d’Ivoire’s opener. The effort from Malick Yalcouyé came from outside the box and beat him, leaving Ghana behind just before half-time.

Kojo Oppong Peprah – 5.0/10

A difficult evening for the right-back. Having played only 21 minutes of football this season before the game, Peprah looked short of rhythm and struggled to contain Yan Diomandé, who repeatedly found joy down Ghana’s right side.

Alexander Djiku – 6.0/10

Djiku lasted 71 minutes before being forced off through injury. He was not part of a completely convincing defensive unit, but individually he competed well, winning all his tackles and three of five duels before his departure.

Jerome Opoku – 6.5/10

One of Ghana’s more reliable performers. Opoku made six clearances and completed 44 of his 50 passes, while also winning six of 10 ground duels. He had plenty of defensive work to do and generally handled it well.

Gideon Mensah – 6.0/10

Mensah was reasonably solid defensively but offered little threat going forward. Several of his deliveries into the box failed to find a Ghana player, although his passing into the final third was a positive, with seven of 10 attempts finding their target.

Kwesi Sibo – 4.0/10

Sibo struggled to impose himself in the role designed to shield the defence. He finished the match with only 38 touches despite playing all 90 minutes and failed to win an aerial, ground or overall duel. Ghana needed more presence from the player stationed directly in front of the defence.

Caleb Yirenkyi – 4.5/10

Yirenkyi had a night to forget. He and Sibo were slow to close down Yalcouyé before the opening goal, allowing the Ivorian midfielder to take a touch, turn and advance before finding the finish. Yirenkyi also missed a clear opportunity at the other end.

Ghana need more from him in a midfield role where he is expected to provide control and protection.

Christopher Bonsu Baah – 5.0/10

Bonsu Baah struggled to influence the game during his 64 minutes. He occasionally appeared caught between shooting and finding a teammate, and Ghana ultimately got very little attacking production from his side of the pitch.

Abdul Fatawu Issahaku – 4.0/10

Fatawu's biggest contribution came in a negative moment, as he conceded the penalty from which Côte d’Ivoire scored their second goal. He also lost possession 11 times, the most of any player on the pitch and struggled to make a meaningful impact when Ghana went forward.

Ernest Nuamah – 5.5/10

Nuamah’s pace occasionally caused problems, but Côte d’Ivoire kept a close eye on him and limited his influence. He tried to create something with efforts from distance, but none seriously tested Yahia Fofana during his 64 minutes.

Brandon Thomas-Asante – 6.0/10

Thomas-Asante spent much of his 64 minutes doing defensive work rather than operating as the focal point Ghana needed in attack. He received little service and therefore had limited opportunities to make an impact in front of goal.

Substitutes

Felix Afena-Gyan – 5.5/10

Afena-Gyan came on but could not provide the attacking spark Ghana needed. He struggled to make a meaningful difference as Côte d’Ivoire remained comfortable defensively.

Augustine Boakye – 5.5/10

Boakye brought fresh legs after coming on, but like several of Ghana’s attacking players, he found it difficult to break through a well-organised Ivorian defence.

Tetteh Benjamin – 5.5/10

Tetteh was introduced as Ghana chased the game but had limited opportunities to influence proceedings.

FKA/AM