Cote d’Ivoire’s Brazil 2027 dream ends after Ghana rally in Casablanca

Cote d’Ivoire have been eliminated from contention for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after Ghana came from behind to win 2-1 in their play-off at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco.

The result ends the Elephantes’ hopes of reaching the tournament, which will be held in Brazil. Ghana’s comeback settled a closely contested match after Cote d’Ivoire had taken an early lead and appeared to be in control at half-time.

Cote d’Ivoire made the ideal start when Ines Konan converted a penalty in the fourth minute. It was the forward’s fifth goal of the competition and gave the Elephantes an advantage almost immediately.

That early goal allowed Cote d’Ivoire to take control of the opening period. They protected their lead through to the interval, restricting the Black Queens and taking a 1-0 advantage into half-time.

Ghana, however, returned from the break with renewed purpose and levelled the contest in the 59th minute. Princess Dankwa Marfo scored the equaliser to put the Black Queens back on terms and give them momentum.

The decisive moment arrived 13 minutes later. Ghana were awarded a penalty in the 72nd minute, and Josephine Bonsu converted from the spot to complete the turnaround and put the Black Queens ahead for the first time.

Cote d’Ivoire attempted to respond during the closing stages, but their late efforts did not produce an equaliser. Ghana held on to secure a 2-1 victory and send the Elephantes out of the qualifying campaign.

The defeat means Cote d’Ivoire will not return to the global stage in 2027. Their elimination also extends a lengthy absence from the final tournament of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Elephantes have appeared at the finals only once. That sole participation came in 2015, and they have been unable to qualify for another edition since then.

Their defeat in Casablanca therefore prolongs the wait for a second appearance at the Women’s World Cup. Cote d’Ivoire will now have to begin a new campaign in the future if they are to revive their hopes of reaching the world’s leading international tournament.

For Ghana, the victory represents a significant step forward in the current qualification process. The Black Queens overturned an early deficit through Princess Dankwa Marfo’s equaliser and Josephine Bonsu’s penalty, while Cote d’Ivoire were left to reflect on a match in which their fast start ultimately proved insufficient.