Ghana fight back to beat Côte d’Ivoire and keep World Cup dream alive

Ghana came from behind to defeat Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 and secure a place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 inter-confederation play-offs after a dramatic TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations play-off in Casablanca.

The Black Queens trailed after just four minutes at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium when Ines Konan converted a penalty to give Côte d’Ivoire the perfect start.

But Ghana produced a determined second-half response, with Princess Marfo equalising in the 59th minute before Josephine Bonsu scored from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute to complete the turnaround.

The result keeps alive Ghana’s hopes of returning to the Women’s World Cup for the first time since 2007 and gives the Black Queens another route towards qualification for Brazil 2027.

For Côte d’Ivoire, the defeat ends their hopes of reaching a second Women’s World Cup following their sole previous appearance in 2015.

Côte d’Ivoire make flying start

Both teams entered the match knowing there was little margin for error after missing out on automatic World Cup qualification through the WAFCON quarter-finals.

Côte d’Ivoire responded to that pressure quickest.

The Lady Elephants were awarded a penalty in the opening stages and Konan made no mistake, scoring in the fourth minute to put her side 1-0 ahead.

Ghana were forced to chase the match almost immediately, while Côte d’Ivoire looked to protect their advantage and exploit opportunities on the break.

The first half became increasingly physical, with Bernadette Amani cautioned for Côte d’Ivoire in the 13th minute before Ghana’s Portia Boakye was booked in the 25th.

Aïssata Gbehi also received a yellow card for the hosts before Ghana were forced into a change in first-half stoppage time, with Evelyn Badu replacing Doris Boaduwaa following an injury.

Despite those disruptions, the Black Queens remained in the contest and reached half-time only one goal behind.

Marfo sparks Ghana comeback

Ghana returned after the interval with greater purpose and were rewarded in the 59th minute.

Princess Marfo found the breakthrough the Black Queens had been searching for, scoring to level the contest at 1-1 and completely change the momentum of the game.

Having been forced to respond from an early setback, Ghana now sensed an opportunity to take control.

That opportunity arrived in the 72nd minute when the Black Queens were awarded a penalty.

Bonsu stepped forward under considerable pressure and converted to put Ghana 2-1 ahead, completing a remarkable second-half turnaround.

Côte d’Ivoire responded with changes as they searched for an equaliser, but Ghana defended their advantage with growing determination.

The Black Queens also refreshed their team late on, with Sharon Sampson, Alice Sarpong and Linda Owusu among those introduced as the closing stages became increasingly tense.

Badu was booked in the 85th minute as Ghana battled to protect their slender lead.

World Cup dream remains alive

Ghana eventually held firm to complete a victory that could prove hugely significant for a generation of players seeking to return the country to the biggest stage in women’s football.

The Black Queens featured at three successive Women’s World Cups in 1999, 2003 and 2007 but have failed to qualify for the four editions since.

Their hopes of ending that long absence remain alive.

By winning the play-off, Ghana advance to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 inter-confederation play-offs, where further matches will determine the remaining qualifiers for the tournament in Brazil.

It also represents an important response from Kim Lars Björkegren’s side after the disappointment of missing out on a WAFCON semi-final and automatic World Cup qualification.

Côte d’Ivoire, meanwhile, will reflect on a campaign in which they showed considerable attacking quality but ultimately fell short of returning to the global stage.

For Ghana, however, one more hurdle has been cleared.

After falling behind inside four minutes, the Black Queens showed resilience to turn the match around and move another step closer to ending a 20-year absence from the Women’s World Cup.