Ghana’s Black Queens have kept their hopes of reaching the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup alive after coming from behind to defeat Côte d’Ivoire 2–1 in a crucial WAFCON World Cup play-in match.
The victory means Ghana have won the African play-in and secured one of the two places available to African teams in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Play-Off Tournament.
Côte d’Ivoire Strike First
Côte d’Ivoire made the perfect start to the match, taking the lead in the 4th minute.
Inès Konan found the back of the net to put the Elephants 1–0 ahead, leaving Ghana with an early deficit to overcome.
Ghana, however, refused to panic and gradually grew into the match.
Ghana Fight Back
The Black Queens eventually found their equaliser in the 59th minute.
Princess Marfo scored to bring Ghana level at 1–1, giving the Black Queens renewed belief.
The equaliser changed the momentum of the match, with Ghana now pushing for the goal that could keep their World Cup dream alive.
Josephine Bonsu Completes the Comeback
Ghana completed the turnaround in the 72nd minute.
Josephine Bonsu scored to give the Black Queens a 2–1 lead.
Côte d’Ivoire pushed for an equaliser, but Ghana held on to secure a crucial victory.
Goalscorers
- 4′ – Inès Konan (Côte d’Ivoire)
- 59′ – Princess Marfo (Ghana)
- 72′ – Josephine Bonsu (Ghana)
Final Score
🇨🇮 Côte d’Ivoire 1–2 Ghana 🇬🇭
Ghana’s World Cup Dream Continues
The victory is particularly significant because Ghana had already been eliminated from the WAFCON title race after losing 2–1 to Malawi in the quarter-finals.
However, the four quarter-final losers were given another opportunity to fight for the two remaining African places in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Play-Off Tournament. Ghana have now taken one of those places.
When Is Ghana’s Next Match?
Ghana’s next step will be the FIFA Women’s World Cup Play-Off Tournament, which will determine the final World Cup qualifiers.
The tournament’s preliminary phase is scheduled for November–December 2026. FIFA’s confirmed format has two African representatives entering this phase alongside teams from other confederations.
The exact date, opponent and venue for Ghana’s next match have not yet been announced.
The Black Queens therefore have some time to prepare for what could be the most important matches of their campaign.
One Step Closer to Brazil 2027
Ghana have not appeared at the FIFA Women’s World Cup since 2007.
Today’s comeback means the Black Queens are now just a few matches away from ending that long absence.
After falling behind in the fourth minute, Ghana showed tremendous character to turn the game around through Princess Marfo and Josephine Bonsu.
Final Thoughts
Ghana’s 2–1 comeback victory over Côte d’Ivoire was about much more than winning a match.
It was about keeping the dream of Brazil 2027 alive.
The Black Queens are still in the race. 🇬🇭
Their next challenge will come in the November–December 2026 FIFA World Cup Play-Off Tournament, where Ghana will fight for a place at the world’s biggest women’s football tournament.
