Ivory Coast vs Ghana LIVE: AFCON 2027 qualifier result, latest updates and fan reaction
Ivory Coast vs Ghana LIVE
Malick Yalcouye marked his international debut in style as Ivory Coast began their Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign with victory over Ghana. The Brighton midfielder, who has already scored against Chelsea and Coventry in the Premier League this season following his summer transfer from Swedish club IFK Gothenburg, had a hand in both goals at the Stade de la Paix on Thursday evening.
Firstly, Yalcouye broke the deadlock shortly before half-time with an unstoppable effort that flew past Lawrence Ati Zigi as the 18-year-old was afforded far too much space - similar to his club team-mates Pascal Gross and Charalampos Kostoulas in the win over Arsenal last weekend. Then early in the second half, Yalcouye was brought down in the area by Abdul Fatawu, prompting referee Mustapha Ghorbal to point to the penalty spot.
Franck Kessie, the Cote D’Ivoire captain, stayed calm during a two-minute delay for the Ghana players protesting against the decision and sent Ati Zigi the wrong way to double the home side’s lead and secure all three points. Follow Ivory Coast vs Ghana back below with dedicated match blog!
Ivory Coast vs Ghana latest news
Live updates
90+4 min: Another chance!
To Ghana once again as Boakye fires wide in what will surely be the last big moment of the game.
90 min: Into FIVE minutes of stoppage time as Gyan shoots wide from outside the box. That’s another chance for Ghana since conceding a second goal.
89 min: Really poor execution from Fatawu after doing so well to create a yard of space for a shot. Ghana winger ends up firing his effort over the bar.
88 min: WHAT A MISS!
Incredible stuff as Gyan somehow misses from six yards out! Ghana have saved their best football for when they went 2-0 down.
83 min: Diomande is desperate for a goal as he embarks on one of his mazy runs into the box. Never quite had the ball under full control and that makes it easy for Ghana to deal with the danger.
81 min: Another chance for Ghana as Tetteh’s header is saved by Fofana. Visitors seem to have found another gear since going 2-0 down, but is it too little too late?
78 min: Ivory Coast fans are celebrating again, but it’s all premature as Zogbe’s effort hit the side-netting. Can understand the confusion for those far away.