Ghana’s Black Queens came from behind to secure a crucial 2-1 victory over Côte d’Ivoire in Casablanca on Thursday, keeping their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup alive.
The result gives Ghana an important advantage in the race for a place in the inter-confederation play-offs after the Black Queens missed out on automatic qualification.
Côte d’Ivoire took an early lead in the third minute after a VAR review resulted in a penalty. Inès Konan stepped up and converted from the spot to put the Lady Elephants ahead.
Ghana struggled to settle into the game during the opening half, with Côte d’Ivoire creating the more dangerous opportunities. Princess Marfo came closest to restoring parity for the Black Queens, but her effort went wide as the Ivorians went into the break with a 1-0 lead.
The Black Queens thought they had equalised shortly after the restart when Stella Nyamekye found the back of the net. However, VAR ruled that Côte d’Ivoire goalkeeper Océane Lamfir had been fouled in the build-up, and the goal was disallowed.
Ghana continued to push forward and were eventually rewarded for their persistence in the 58th minute.
Marfo rose highest to meet a corner and powered a header past the Ivorian goalkeeper to bring the Black Queens level.
The comeback was completed after another lengthy VAR review, which resulted in Ghana being awarded a penalty for handball.
Josephine Bonsu took responsibility from the spot and calmly converted to give Ghana a 2-1 lead.
Côte d’Ivoire responded with sustained pressure in search of an equaliser, but Ghana’s defence held firm to protect the advantage and secure a valuable victory.
The Black Queens had to endure a difficult evening physically, with Doris Boaduwaa and Evelyn Badu forced off with injuries before Susan Ama Duah was stretchered off late in the match.
Despite the setbacks, Ghana held on for a significant win that keeps their World Cup ambitions alive.
The Black Queens will now aim to build on the victory as they seek to secure progression to the next stage of the qualification process.
The first phase of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup inter-confederation play-off tournament is scheduled for November and December 2026, with the second phase set to take place in February 2027.
