Ivory Coast vs Ghana: reliving the five most thrilling encounters ahead of the Bouaké clash

24.09.26 15:00 AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Ivory Coast

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Ghana

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This Thursday, September 24, 2026, Ivory Coast will face Ghana at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké in the opening round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. This will be the 17th meeting between the two national teams. Before this new chapter, we look back at five unforgettable encounters in their history.

A historic and evenly matched rivalry

Ivory Coast vs Ghana: it is a truly African showdown. The two national teams have met 16 times throughout history. The Elephants hold a narrow advantage with 7 wins, compared with 6 victories for the Black Stars and 3 draws. In terms of titles, Ghana have won 4 Africa Cup of Nations trophies, compared with 3 for Ivory Coast.

The five most thrilling matches

January 19, 1968, Ghana 4-3 Ivory Coast, Africa Cup of Nations semi-final

The first classic between the two national teams. An attacking festival produced 7 goals after the match went into extra time. Ghana won and reached the final.

February 14, 1970, Ivory Coast 1-2 Ghana, Africa Cup of Nations semi-final

Another semi-final decided with great difficulty. The Black Stars prevailed again after extra time, confirming their dominance during the 1960s.

January 26, 1992, Ivory Coast 0-0 Ghana, 11-10 on penalties, Africa Cup of Nations final

Ivory Coast's first star. As in 2015, everything was decided by a penalty shootout. Ivory Coast won 11-10 in Dakar, in the longest penalty shootout in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations finals.

February 8, 2015, Ivory Coast 0-0 Ghana, 9-8 on penalties, Africa Cup of Nations final

Was this the craziest final in Africa Cup of Nations history? The two teams were level at 0-0 for the full 120 minutes before going to a seemingly endless penalty shootout. 22 takers, two goalkeepers facing each other, and a title for Hervé Renard's Elephants.

February 9, 2008, Ghana 4-2 Ivory Coast, Africa Cup of Nations third-place play-off

On home soil, Ghana consoled themselves with a complete performance. Six goals were scored in an open match that earned them the bronze medal.

Nafongo TRAORE |

News Editorfr, ar, en

Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.

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