Ghana beat Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 to secure intercontinental playoff spot

Ghana's Black Queens secured a place in the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup intercontinental playoffs following a 2-1 comeback victory against Côte d’Ivoire in Casablanca. The win keeps Ghana's qualification hopes for the tournament alive.

Côte d’Ivoire took control early in the match when Inès Konan converted a penalty in the third minute. The decision followed a VAR review. The Lady Elephants remained the more dangerous side throughout the first half, and Princess Marfo's attempt to equalize for Ghana missed the target, leaving the score 1-0 at the interval.

Ghana's momentum shifted after the restart, though they faced immediate setbacks from technology. Stella Nyamekye appeared to have scored an equalizer shortly after the break, but VAR disallowed the goal because goalkeeper Océane Lamfir was fouled during the play.

Persistence from the Black Queens eventually broke the deadlock in the 58th minute. Princess Marfo scored with a header from a corner kick to make it 1-1. Ghana then took the lead through a second VAR intervention, which resulted in a penalty for a handball. Josephine Bonsu converted the spot-kick to make the score 2-1.

Côte d’Ivoire applied pressure in the closing stages to find a way back into the game, but the Ghanaian defense held firm to protect the result. The victory was achieved despite Ghana losing Doris Boaduwaa and Evelyn Badu to injuries. Susan Ama Duah was also stretchered off the pitch late in the contest.

The other intercontinental playoff tie will take place on Thursday between South Africa and Nigeria's Super Falcons.