AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Carlos Queiroz says Côte d’Ivoire defeat competitive as expected

Carlos Queiroz says Ghanas 2-0 defeat to Cte dIvoire in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier lived up to his expectations, describing the encounter in Bouak as highly competitive.The Black Stars suffered a disappointing start to their qualifying campaign on Thursday after goals from Malick Yalcouy and Franck Kessi secured victory for the hosts.Ghana struggled to create clear opportunities for much of the match as Cte dIvoire controlled possession and limited the visitors attacking threat.The hosts took the lead in the 29th minute when Yalcouy produced a powerful effort from outside the box that beat Lawrence Ati Zigi.Cte dIvoire then doubled their advantage in the 56th minute after the referee awarded a penalty following a challenge involving Fatawu Issahaku. Kessi converted from the spot to put the hosts firmly in control.Queiroz responded by introducing Felix Afena-Gyan, Benjamin Tetteh and Augustine Boakye in the second half as Ghana searched for a way back into the contest.The changes brought more attacking urgency, with Boakye and Afena-Gyan both coming close to scoring late in the game, but Ghana could not find a breakthrough.Despite the result, Queiroz maintained that the match unfolded as he had anticipated after discussing the nature of the contest ahead of kick-off.As I said yesterday, I expected a very competitive game. And it was a very competitive game.The defeat leaves Ghana bottom of Group C ahead of their next qualifier against The Gambia in Accra on September 29.