AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Carlos Queiroz calls Ivory Coast penalty 'a joke' after Ghana's defeat

[caption id="attachment_1318903" align="alignnone" width="886"] Carlos Queiroz[/caption]Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has described the penalty awarded to Ivory Coast in his side's 2-0 defeat as "a joke", insisting the decision changed the course of their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.The Black Stars made a losing start to their Group C campaign in Bouak, where Malick Yalcouy gave the hosts the lead shortly before half-time.Ivory Coast doubled their advantage early in the second half after Abdul Fatawu Issahaku was penalised for a challenge on Yalcouy inside the box, with Franck Kessi converting from the spot.Queiroz, speaking after reviewing a replay of the incident, said he believed the penalty should never have been awarded."That penalty, it's a joke. The penalty, it is a joke. I just saw it on the television," the Portuguese coach said."Because I need to be quiet and polite. It was 1-0 down. I don't think Ivory Coast needed the referee to come inside the game and create an unbalanced situation."The 73-year-old argued that Ghana were still in contention at 1-0 and searching for an equaliser before the referee's decision shifted the momentum decisively in the hosts' favour."You guys who can see the television, it is a joke. It is a joke, that penalty," he added."When we were 1-0 down and we fought for our chances, we fought for our opportunities, comes somebody that should not play and make unbalanced the game."The result leaves Ghana bottom of Group C without a point after their opening fixture, while the reigning African champions move to the top of the standings with three points.The Black Stars will attempt to respond when they host Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 29 September.Ghana are seeking a return to the AFCON finals after missing out on qualification for the 2025 tournament in Morocco, ending a run of appearances stretching back more than two decades.