Ghana defender Alexander Djiku has called on the Black Stars to improve their approach ahead of Monday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Gambia after their opening defeat to Côte d’Ivoire.
The four-time African champions began their Group C campaign with a 2-0 loss in Bouaké on Thursday, as Malick Yalcouyé’s first-half strike and Franck Kessié’s penalty secured victory for the hosts.
Djiku, who returned to the national team after missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup through injury, praised the commitment of Ghana’s younger players but questioned the penalty decision that doubled Côte d’Ivoire’s lead.
“We have to improve our approach. Today I think we fought well as a team, with a lot of young guys, so I’m proud of them,” he told 3Sports.
“Unfortunately, we conceded this goal before half-time, which killed us a little bit. Then I think this penalty was no fault and, 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 without a point after their opening fixture, while Côte d’Ivoire top Group C with three points.
The Black Stars will aim to respond when they host Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 29 September.
