2027 AFCONQ: We need to improve our approach against Gambia – Alexander Djiku
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 […]
Ghana's Alexander Djiku has urged his team to refine their approach prior to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Gambia following their opening loss to Côte d'Ivoire. The Black Stars arrived in Group C with a 2-0 defeat to the Ivorians, with goals from Malick Yalcouyé and Franck Kessié. Djiku, who rejoined the squad after recovering from injury in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, commended the enthusiasm of Ghana's young squad but expressed frustration over the penalty that Côte d'Ivoire converted to extend their lead.
"We have to improve our approach," Djiku stated to 3Sports. "Today I think we fought well as a team, with a lot of young guys, so I’m proud of them. 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 outcome leaves Ghana without a point in the tournament, while Côte d'Ivoire leads Group C with three points. Ghana will seek to regain momentum when they take on Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 29.
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