Ghana rally past Côte d’Ivoire to keep 2027 Women’s World Cup dream alive

Ghana came from behind to beat Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 in Casablanca and secure a place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 inter-confederation play-offs.

The Black Queens were forced to recover from an early setback at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, where Ines Konan converted a penalty after just four minutes to put Côte d’Ivoire ahead.

Ghana responded strongly after the interval, with Princess Marfo restoring parity in the 59th minute before Josephine Bonsu completed the comeback from the penalty spot 13 minutes later.

The victory keeps Ghana’s hopes of reaching the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil alive and moves them another step closer to ending a long absence from the global tournament.

Ghana respond after early setback

Côte d’Ivoire made the brighter start and were rewarded when Konan converted from the spot inside the opening four minutes.

Ghana, however, refused to allow the early setback to derail their campaign.

The Black Queens returned from the break with greater purpose and eventually found their equaliser through Marfo in the 59th minute.

The momentum then shifted firmly in Ghana’s favour, with Bonsu converting a penalty in the 72nd minute to complete the turnaround.

Ghana held on during the closing stages to secure a victory that could prove crucial in their bid to return to the world’s biggest women’s football tournament.

Black Queens still chasing historic return

Ghana have not appeared at a Women’s World Cup since 2007.

The Black Queens featured at three consecutive editions in 1999, 2003 and 2007, but have missed the following four tournaments.

Their victory over Côte d’Ivoire means that wait can still end in Brazil in 2027.

By winning the play-off, Kim Lars Björkegren’s side advance to the inter-confederation play-offs, where further matches will determine the remaining teams to qualify for the tournament.

The result also provides a response to Ghana’s disappointment at missing out on a place in the WAFCON semi-finals and automatic World Cup qualification.

Côte d’Ivoire’s hopes come to an end

For Côte d’Ivoire, the defeat brings their World Cup campaign to an end.

The Ivorians had been hoping to reach the tournament for only the second time after making their debut in 2015.

Despite showing attacking quality during their campaign, they were unable to hold on after taking an early lead against Ghana.

For the Black Queens, however, the comeback ensures that their long-awaited return to the global stage remains possible.

One hurdle has been cleared, but Ghana must now navigate the inter-confederation play-offs to complete their journey to Brazil.