BREAKING: Black Queens Beat Ivory Coast 2–1 to Keep World Cup Dream Alive

Ghana comes from behind to secure a crucial playoff victory and remain in contention for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup

CASABLANCA, Morocco — The Black Queens have refused to let their World Cup dream die.

Ghana came from behind to beat Côte d’Ivoire 2–1 on Thursday, August 13, in a crucial WAFCON playoff that keeps the country's hopes of reaching the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup alive.

It was the kind of response Ghana needed after the disappointment of losing to Malawi in the WAFCON quarter-finals.

The Black Queens fell behind early, but instead of allowing the setback to define the game, they fought their way back and completed a memorable comeback.

Côte d’Ivoire strike first

Ghana's problems started early.

Côte d’Ivoire were awarded a penalty following a VAR review, and Inès Konan stepped up to put the Ivorians ahead.

The early goal left Ghana chasing the game and needing a response.

The Black Queens gradually settled into the match and began creating opportunities, but they went into the break still 1–0 down.

Princess Marfo brings Ghana back

The turning point came after the restart.

Princess Marfo rose to head Ghana's equaliser, bringing the Black Queens back into the contest.

The goal changed the mood of the game.

Ghana now had momentum, while Côte d’Ivoire were forced to defend a result that had initially appeared to be within their control.

Josephine Bonsu completes the comeback

Ghana's persistence eventually paid off again.

A VAR review resulted in a penalty for Ghana after a handball decision against Côte d’Ivoire.

Josephine Bonsu stepped up and made no mistake from the spot, sending Ghana into a 2–1 lead.

This time, the Black Queens refused to give it away.

Côte d’Ivoire pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Ghana held firm to secure the victory.

Why this victory matters

This wasn't simply another international win for Ghana.

The Black Queens had already suffered a major setback against Malawi, losing their WAFCON quarter-final and missing the opportunity to qualify directly for the 2027 Women's World Cup through the tournament's semi-final route.

The playoff against Côte d’Ivoire therefore carried enormous significance.

A defeat would have brought Ghana's World Cup hopes dangerously close to an end.

Instead, the Black Queens have given themselves another chance.

Ghana still has work to do

The victory does not mean Ghana has already qualified for the 2027 World Cup.

It keeps the Black Queens alive in the qualification process and gives them another opportunity to fight for one of Africa's remaining places.

That distinction matters.

The team must now focus on the next stage and ensure that Thursday's comeback becomes the beginning of something bigger rather than simply a brief reprieve.

A response Ghana needed

The biggest positive from the victory may be the team's reaction to adversity.

Ghana conceded first.

They had already suffered the disappointment of losing to Malawi.

And they were playing a Côte d’Ivoire side equally determined to keep its own World Cup ambitions alive.

Yet the Black Queens responded with two goals and protected their advantage.

That resilience could prove crucial as the qualification campaign continues.

The World Cup dream lives on

For Ghanaian football fans, the message from Casablanca is simple:

The dream is still alive.

The Black Queens now have another opportunity to fight their way towards the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.

But the hard work is far from over.

The next challenge will determine whether Ghana can turn Thursday's important victory into a place on the global stage.

Global Pulse GH

The Black Queens needed a response — and they delivered.

After the frustration against Malawi, Ghana showed character, recovered from an early setback and produced the comeback that keeps the country's World Cup hopes alive.

One door closed. Another one has opened.

Now Ghana must walk through it.

Global Pulse GH will continue to follow the Black Queens' World Cup qualification journey and bring you the latest confirmed developments.

This is a developing sports story and will be updated as further qualification details are confirmed.