The Black Stars suffered defeat in their opening Group C fixture at the Stade de la Paix, with goals from Malick Yalcouyé and Franck Kessié securing all three points for the hosts.

Ghana enjoyed a fairly balanced opening period, but Côte d’Ivoire broke the deadlock shortly before half-time. Yalcouyé found space on the edge of the penalty area and fired past Lawrence Ati-Zigi to give the Elephants a 1-0 lead.

Côte d’Ivoire doubled their advantage shortly after the restart when they were awarded a penalty following a foul on Yalcouyé. Captain Franck Kessié stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to make it 2-0.

Ghana attempted to respond, with Carlos Queiroz making attacking changes as the Black Stars searched for a way back into the game. Their best opportunity came in the second half, but Côte d’Ivoire goalkeeper Yahia Fofana made a key save to maintain the hosts' advantage.

The defeat leaves Ghana without a point after their opening Group C fixture, while Côte d’Ivoire begin their qualifying campaign with three points.

The Black Stars will now turn their attention to their next qualifier against The Gambia on September 29 at the Accra Sports Stadium.