Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz says the Black Stars must improve their finishing after they began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-0 defeat by Ivory Coast.Brighton forward Malick Yalcouy put the hosts ahead in the first half at the Stade de Bouak before captain Franck Kessi converted a penalty after the break to seal victory for the Elephants.Despite the defeat, Queiroz believes Ghana created enough chances to get on the scoresheet and says their inability to convert opportunities remains an area that needs attention.”We played a more vertical style with more vertical movements to attack the defensive line of Cte d’Ivoire,” Queiroz said after the match.”We had a first approach in the game, and a second approach when Benjamin and Felix came on, and we could have scored. We had enough opportunities to score.”We have to improve in that department, to improve our ability to score because this is another game that we did not score.”The result leaves Ghana without a point from their opening Group C fixture, increasing the importance of their next match against The Gambia.The Black Stars have returned to Accra and will continue preparations for Tuesday’s meeting with the Scorpions as they look to get their qualifying campaign back on track.Ghana are seeking a return to the Africa Cup of Nations after missing the previous edition, bringing an end to a run of more than two decades of consecutive appearances at the continental tournament.Queiroz will now look to address Ghana’s attacking shortcomings before the crucial home fixture against The Gambia, with the Black Stars needing a positive result to strengthen their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 tournament.
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