Ghana secured a place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 inter confederation play offs after beating Côte d’Ivoire 2 1 in a dramatic Women’s Africa Cup of Nations play off in Casablanca.
The Black Queens fell behind after only four minutes at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium. Ines Konan converted from the penalty spot to give Côte d’Ivoire an early lead.
Ghana refused to panic, though. The Black Queens stayed in the game and gradually grew into the contest as they looked for a route back.
Their pressure finally paid off in the 59th minute. Princess Marfo found the equaliser and gave Ghana fresh belief with just over half an hour remaining.
The comeback was complete 13 minutes later. Josephine Bonsu stepped up from the penalty spot and calmly converted to put Ghana 2-1 ahead.
Côte d’Ivoire pushed for a response in the closing stages. Ghana, however, held firm and protected their lead to secure a crucial victory.
The result keeps the Black Queens’ hopes of reaching the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil alive. Ghana now have another chance to end their long wait for a return to the global tournament.
For Côte d’Ivoire, the defeat ended their hopes of reaching a second Women’s World Cup. The Ivorians had previously appeared at the tournament in 2015.
Ghana continue their long World Cup journey
The Black Queens have a proud history at the Women’s World Cup. They qualified for three straight editions in 1999, 2003 and 2007.
However, Ghana have missed the last four tournaments. Their victory over Côte d’Ivoire now gives the current generation a chance to end that 20 year absence.
Ghana showed strong character after conceding so early. Instead of allowing the setback to derail their campaign, they responded with two second half goals.
Marfo changed the momentum with her equaliser before Bonsu delivered the decisive moment from the spot. Ghana then managed the final stages with enough discipline to see out the result.
The Black Queens can now look ahead to the inter confederation play offs with their World Cup dream still intact. For Côte d’Ivoire, the journey ends with disappointment, but their return to the continental stage offered another step forward for the team.
