Alexander Djiku urges Ghana to regroup after opening AFCON qualifier loss to Cote d’Ivoire

Ghana defender Alexander Djiku has called for improvements after the Black Stars suffered a 2-0 defeat to Cte dIvoire in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Bouak.Djiku, who returned to the national team after missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup through injury, started the game at the heart of Ghanas defence. The Black Stars conceded shortly before half-time before Franck Kessi doubled the hosts advantage from the penalty spot after Fatawu Issahaku was adjudged to have fouled Malick Yalcouy.Speaking after the game, Djiku acknowledged the effort of the Ghanaian players, particularly the younger members of the squad, but expressed his frustration with the penalty decision.We have to, to improve our approach. Of course, today I think, we fought well with the team, with a lot of young guys so I'm proud of them. Unfortunately, we conceded this goal before the halftime, who killed us a little bit but then I think this penalty was no fault and, for me, I don't like to speak about referee but I think he killed again because after two nil it's difficult to, to come back, he told 3Sports.Ghana will now turn their attention to their next Group C qualifier against The Gambia in Accra on September 29.