Black Queens stage comeback to beat Côte d’Ivoire and keep World Cup hopes alive

Ghana's Black Queens staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 and retain their chances of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. The decisive match took place in Casablanca on Thursday. In the 3rd minute, Côte d’Ivoire took the lead when Inès Konan converted a penalty after a VAR review. Ghana struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, with Côte d’Ivoire posing the greater threat.

Princess Marfo came closest to equalising for Ghana, but her shot was ruled out for offside. Early in the second half, Stella Nyamekye equalised for Ghana, only for it to be disallowed after a VAR review deemed Côte d’Ivoire's goalkeeper Océane Lamfir had been fouled. In the 58th minute, Marfo rose to meet a corner and headed in a penalty, restoring Ghana's lead.

After a lengthy VAR review, Ghana were awarded a penalty after handball, which Josephine Bonsu converted to extend the Black Queens' lead to 2-1. Côte d’Ivoire mounted a strong pressure but Ghana's defense proved too strong. Several Ghanaian players had to leave the field due to injuries, including Doris Boaduwaa, Evelyn Badu, and Susan Ama Duah.

Nonetheless, the Black Queens' victory keeps their World Cup aspirations alive. The team will now focus on building on this success as they pursue progression to the next stage of the qualification process. The inter-confederation play-off tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup will take place in November and December 2026, with the second phase scheduled for February 2027.