Ghana defender Alexander Djiku has urged the Black Stars to regroup and improve after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Bouaké.
Djiku, who returned to the national team after missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup through injury, started at the heart of Ghana’s defence as the Black Stars struggled to contain the hosts.
Côte d’Ivoire took the lead shortly before half-time before Franck Kessié doubled their advantage from the penalty spot after Fatawu Issahaku was adjudged to have fouled Malick Yalcouyé inside the box.
Despite the disappointing result, Djiku praised the effort of his teammates, particularly the younger players who were handed an opportunity to feature in the crucial Group C encounter.
However, the defender expressed his frustration over the penalty decision, insisting it made Ghana’s task of mounting a comeback even more difficult.
“We have to improve our approach. Of course, today I think we fought well as a team, with a lot of young guys, so I’m proud of them,” Djiku told 3Sports.
“Unfortunately, we conceded the goal before half-time, which killed us a little bit. Then I think this penalty was no fault. For me, I don’t like to speak about the referee, but I think he killed us again because after 2-0, it’s difficult to come back.”
The defeat leaves Ghana with work to do as they seek to recover quickly and get their qualifying campaign back on track.
The Black Stars will have an opportunity to respond when they face The Gambia in their next Group C qualifier in Accra on September 29.
