‘In terms of creating opportunities, we were better than Ivory Coast’ – Carlos Queiroz

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz believes the Black Stars produced enough in the attacking areas to have troubled Côte d’Ivoire despite suffering a 2-0 defeat in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Thursday, September 24, 2026.

The Black Stars were beaten by goals from Malick Yalcouyé and Franck Kessié at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké, leaving Ghana without a point from their opening Group C fixture.

However, Queiroz offered a different assessment of the contest, arguing that Ghana were more effective than the hosts when it came to creating attacking opportunities.

“In terms of possession, Ivory Coast was better than us. But in terms of attacking penetration and creating opportunities, we were better than Ivory Coast. But the result is for Ivory Coast, so congratulations,” he said.

The Portuguese coach also praised his players for their attitude despite falling behind and ultimately suffering their first defeat of the qualifying campaign.

“I’m very proud of my team, my players, the way they fight, the way they play, the way they fight against adversity,” he added.

Ghana struggled to turn their attacking moments into goals, with Côte d’Ivoire ultimately proving more clinical in the decisive moments.

The defeat leaves Queiroz with work to do ahead of Ghana’s next Group C assignment against The Gambia in Accra on September 29, 2026.

FKA/AM