2027 AFCON: A winning return for Hervé Renard as Ivory Coast beats Ghana 2-0 in Bouaké

Ivory Coast won the West African clash against Ghana (2-0) on Thursday, September 24, 2026, in Bouaké, in the opening match of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. The evening was marked by Hervé Renard's victorious return to the Elephants' bench and the emergence of a young midfielder, Malick Yalcouyé.

Yalcouyé, a stunning debut

At 20 years old, the Brighton player from England was making his national team debut. He did not falter: in the 44th minute, he unleashed a strike from about 25 meters out to open the scoring, his first goal for the national team in his very first start, according to allAfrica.

In the second half, it was he who won a penalty. Veteran Franck Kessié took charge of the conversion in the 58th minute to double the lead. Ghana, a historic rival, could not find a way through.

Renard, eleven years later

The symbolism is powerful. Hervé Renard had left Ivory Coast after leading them to the continental title in 2015. Eleven years later, the French coach, who also won the AFCON with Zambia in 2012, returns with a clear victory against one of the continent's most feared opponents.

This derby between neighbors, two of the most successful nations in West Africa, served as a test. The Elephants, crowned on home soil in 2024, showed a team capable of blending veterans and young talents.

Heading to Somalia

Ivory Coast is in a group that also includes Gambia and Somalia. According to allAfrica, the Elephants will face Somalia on September 29, 2026, for the second matchday. Ghana will need to react quickly to avoid complicating their task.

The final phase of the 2027 AFCON will be held in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.