Ghana have kept their 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup hopes alive. The Black Queens defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 in Casablanca on Thursday. The result came in a crucial WAFCON play-off at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Bold Sports reports.
The victory came just four days after Ghana lost 2-1 to Malawi. That quarter-final defeat ended their hopes of automatic World Cup qualification. It also sent them into the play-off route. Ghana now move into the inter-confederation play-offs for Brazil 2027.
Ivory Coast strike first
Ivory Coast started the contest with real urgency. Inès Konan converted a penalty after only four minutes. Her finish gave the Lady Elephants an early 1-0 lead.
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Ghana then had to chase the game. The first half also produced several bookings. Bernadette Amani saw yellow for Ivory Coast. Portia Boakye received a caution for Ghana.
Anastasie Aimée Gbéhi also entered the referee’s book. Ghana later made a forced change before the interval. Evelyn Badu replaced Doris Boaduwaa after an injury.
Despite the setback, Ghana stayed within one goal at half-time.
Marfo and Bonsu complete the turnaround
The Black Queens returned from the break with greater attacking intent. Their pressure finally paid off in the 59th minute.
Princess Marfo restored parity for Ghana. Her goal changed the direction of the contest.
Ghana then pushed for the winning goal. They received their chance in the 72nd minute after earning a penalty.
Josephine Bonsu took responsibility from the spot. She converted successfully and put Ghana 2-1 ahead.
Ivory Coast made changes as they searched for another goal. Ghana, however, protected their advantage through the closing stages.
Ghana move closer to World Cup return
The win gives the Black Queens another opportunity to reach the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Ghana last appeared at the tournament in 2007.
They previously featured at three straight editions. Those tournaments came in 1999, 2003 and 2007. The team has since missed four successive World Cups.
That wait can now end through the inter-confederation play-offs. Ghana must still clear another hurdle before securing a place in Brazil. The play-off tournament will determine the remaining World Cup qualifiers.
For Ivory Coast, the defeat ends their World Cup hopes. Their only previous appearance came at the 2015 tournament.
Ghana’s comeback therefore carries major significance. They conceded inside four minutes. Yet the Black Queens recovered to win 2-1 and keep their World Cup dream alive.
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