Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire (Running Africa) — Brighton midfielder Malick Yalcouyé scored on his international debut as Côte d’Ivoire beat Ghana 2-0 to make a winning start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Yalcouyé opened the scoring in the 44th minute with a strike from outside the penalty area, sending the hosts into half-time with the advantage.

Captain Franck Kessié doubled Côte d’Ivoire’s lead from the penalty spot in the 58th minute to secure all three points in Bouaké.

Ghana Struggle Without Kudus, Ayew and Semenyo

Ghana was unable to find a response after falling behind and began their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign with defeat.

The Black Stars were missing several key players through injury, including Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew and Antoine Semenyo.

For Côte d’Ivoire, the victory provided a strong start to qualifying, while Yalcouyé marked his first senior international appearance with a goal.

Zimbabwe Complete Comeback Against Sierra Leone

Elsewhere in AFCON 2027 qualifying, Zimbabwe recovered from two goals down to claim a dramatic 3-2 victory over Sierra Leone.

Marshall Munetsi scored twice for Zimbabwe, including the late winner that completed the comeback.

DR Congo also opened their campaign with three points, beating Equatorial Guinea 2-0 through goals from Chancel Mbemba and Yoane Wissa.

Namibia Beat Congo in AFCON Qualifier

Namibia secured a 1-0 victory over Congo in Gaborone, with Bethuel Muzeu scoring shortly after half-time.

The results marked the opening round of the race to reach the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from June 19 to July 17.