Ghana’s Black Queens have kept their hopes of ending a 20-year wait for a FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance alive after coming from behind to beat Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 in the CAF play-offs on Thursday, August 13, 2026.

Ghana conceded a penalty just 45 seconds into the contest after Princess Marfo brought down her opponent inside the box.

Following a lengthy VAR review, the referee confirmed the spot-kick, with Konan Ines making no mistake to give Côte d’Ivoire the lead in the fourth minute.

The Black Queens responded positively and thought they had levelled when Stella Nyamekye bundled the ball home from close range.

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However, the referee ruled out the effort after adjudging that a foul had been committed on the Ivorian goalkeeper.

Ghana refused to be discouraged and eventually found their equaliser shortly after the hour mark.

Nyamekye turned provider this time, delivering a dangerous corner into the box which Marfo attacked brilliantly. The forward rose highest to guide her header into the net and bring Ghana level.

The comeback was completed in the 72nd minute when Côte d’Ivoire were punished for another costly error inside their penalty area.

A defender handled Grace Asantewaa’s shot, prompting the referee to point to the spot after another lengthy VAR review. Josephine Bonsu-Kyerewaa took responsibility and calmly slotted the penalty home to put Ghana 2-1 ahead.

The Ivorians pushed for a late equaliser, but Ghana defended resolutely to protect their advantage until the final whistle.

The victory means Ghana will advance to the Intercontinental Play-offs in November 2026, where they will continue their quest to return to the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time in 20 years.



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