Ivory Coast vs Ghana LIVE: AFCON 2027 qualifier result, latest updates and fan reaction | OneFootball

A huge showdown to open AFCON 2027 qualification

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 Standard Sport's dedicated match blog!