Ghana’s Black Queens have kept their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup alive after defeating Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 in a dramatic play-in encounter in Casablanca.
The Black Queens came from a goal down to secure victory at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium on Thursday and claim one of Africa’s two available places in the FIFA Playoff Tournament for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
Côte d’Ivoire took an early lead after winning a penalty just 50 seconds into the match.
Princess Marfo was adjudged to have fouled her opponent inside the box, allowing Ines Konan to convert from the spot after just four minutes.
Ghana responded strongly and gradually took control of the game, creating several opportunities but struggling to find a way past the Ivorian defence.
Despite their dominance, the Black Queens went into the break trailing 1-0.
After the restart, Stella Nyamekye appeared to have levelled the score, but her effort was ruled out after the referee adjudged her to have fouled the Ivorian goalkeeper.
Ghana, however, continued to press and eventually found the equaliser through Princess Marfo.
The forward rose to head home from a Stella Nyamekye corner, restoring parity for Ghana.
The Black Queens completed the comeback 13 minutes later when Josephine Bonsu converted a penalty to put Ghana ahead.
The penalty was awarded after a handball inside the Ivorian box, with Bonsu calmly sending the goalkeeper the wrong way from 12 yards.
Ghana pushed for a third goal late in the match, with Evelyn Badu and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah seeing their efforts saved by the Ivorian goalkeeper.
At the other end, goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan produced a crucial late save to preserve Ghana’s 2-1 advantage.
The Black Queens held on to secure a vital victory and one of the two African slots available for the FIFA Playoff Tournament for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
South Africa claimed the other slot after defeating 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions Nigeria 2-1 in the other play-in encounter.
The two African representatives will now compete in the FIFA Playoff Tournament for an opportunity to secure qualification to the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
