Ghana’s Black Queens have come from behind to beat Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 in Casablanca, keeping their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA Women’s World Cup alive.
The Ivorians took an early lead through Inès Konan after being awarded a penalty following a VAR review in the third minute.
Ghana struggled to find their rhythm in the opening half, with Côte d’Ivoire looking the more dangerous side. Princess Marfo came closest to an equaliser for the Black Queens, but her effort went wide as the Lady Elephants took a 1-0 lead into the break.
Ghana thought they had levelled shortly after the restart when Stella Nyamekye found the net, but VAR ruled that goalkeeper Océane Lamfir had been fouled in the build-up.
The Black Queens refused to give up, however, and their persistence eventually paid off.
Marfo rose highest from a corner in the 58th minute to power a header into the net and bring Ghana level.
The comeback was completed after another VAR intervention awarded Ghana a penalty for handball following a lengthy review.
Josephine Bonsu stepped up and converted from the spot to put the Black Queens 2-1 ahead.
Côte d’Ivoire responded with sustained pressure as they searched for an equaliser, but Ghana defended resolutely to protect their advantage.
The victory comes despite a difficult night for the Black Queens, who lost Doris Boaduwaa and Evelyn Badu to injuries before Susan Ama Duah was also stretchered off late in the match.
Ghana will now look to hold on to their advantage and secure their place in the next stage of the World Cup qualification process.
