Ghana have kept their hopes of returning to the FIFA Women’s World Cup alive after coming from behind to defeat Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 in a dramatic WAFCON 2026 playoff in Casablanca.
The Black Queens conceded inside four minutes at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium but produced a determined second half comeback, with Princess Marfo equalising before Josephine Bonsu converted from the penalty spot to complete the turnaround.
The victory sends Ghana into the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup inter-confederation playoffs, leaving them one step closer to ending a 20-year wait for a return to the global tournament.
Côte d’Ivoire, meanwhile, have been eliminated from the World Cup race after another disappointing setback following their quarterfinal defeat by Algeria.
Both sides know that defeat would end their hopes of reaching the 2027 Women’s World Cup and Côte d’Ivoire appeared to handle the pressure better in the opening stages.
The Lady Elephants were awarded a penalty inside the first four minutes, and Ines Konan stepped up to give her side an early advantage.
Her conversion put Ghana on the back foot and gave Côte d’Ivoire the perfect start to a match in which there was little room for error.
The Black Queens had to chase the game, while Côte d’Ivoire looked to protect their lead and threaten on the counter.
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The opening half also developed into a physical contest, with Bernadette Amani booked for Côte d’Ivoire in the 13th minute before Ghana’s Portia Boakye received a yellow card 12 minutes later. Aïssata Gbehi was also cautioned as the intensity continued to rise.
Ghana suffered another setback shortly before half time when Doris Boaduwaa was forced off through injury, with Evelyn Badu introduced in stoppage time.
Despite falling behind so early and dealing with the injury setback, Ghana went into the break just one goal down.
The Black Queens returned from half time with renewed attacking intent. Their pressure eventually paid off in the 59th minute when Princess Marfo found the equalizer to make it 1-1.
The goal completely altered the complexion of the contest. Côte d’Ivoire, who had been able to manage their early advantage, now faced a Ghana side growing in confidence and believing that the game could still be won.
The decisive moment came in the 72nd minute when Ghana were awarded a penalty, presenting Josephine Bonsu with the opportunity to put the Black Queens in front.
Bonsu held her nerve and converted, turning the match on its head and giving Ghana a 2-1 lead.
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Côte d’Ivoire were not prepared to surrender their remaining World Cup hopes without a fight.
The Lady Elephants made changes as they searched for a second equalizer, but Ghana became increasingly determined to protect their advantage.
Kim Lars Björkegren also refreshed his side during the closing stages, with Sharon Sampson, Alice Sarpong and Linda Owusu among those introduced.
The tension increased as the final minutes ticked away. Evelyn Badu was booked in the 85th minute, but Ghana held their shape and resisted Côte d’Ivoire’s attempts to force the game into extra time.
One step closer to Brazil 2027
The victory is particularly huge given Ghana’s long absence from the Women’s World Cup. The Black Queens appeared at three successive editions between 1999 and 2007 but have failed to qualify for each of the four tournaments since.
Their latest victory does not yet guarantee a place at the 2027 tournament in Brazil, but it keeps the door firmly open.
Ghana will now compete in the inter-confederation play-offs, where the remaining World Cup places will be decided.
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Côte d’Ivoire’s campaign, meanwhile, ends with plenty of encouragement but ultimately another missed opportunity.
The Lady Elephants had emerged from the group stage as one of the tournament’s most impressive attacking teams, scoring eight goals the highest tally among the 16 participating teams before their quarterfinal defeat by Algeria.
Their hopes of reaching a second Women’s World Cup after their 2015 appearance are now over.
