Ghana’s Black Queens produced a spirited comeback in Casablanca, beating Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 to keep their FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification hopes alive. The result came after a tense night that tested Ghana’s character, with three players forced off through injury.
Côte d’Ivoire started with more purpose and took the lead in the third minute. Inès Konan converted from the penalty spot after a VAR review, leaving Ghana chasing the game from the early stages.
The Black Queens struggled to find their rhythm before the break. Princess Marfo came close to restoring parity, but her effort went wide as the Lady Elephants went into half-time with a 1-0 lead.
Ghana thought they had equalised soon after the restart. Stella Nyamekye found the net, but another VAR check ruled that Côte d’Ivoire goalkeeper Océane Lamfir had been fouled in the build-up.
That decision could have broken Ghana’s momentum. Instead, the Black Queens kept pushing, and Marfo finally delivered in the 58th minute when she rose highest from a corner and powered her header home.
The comeback then took another twist. VAR intervened again, this time awarding Ghana a penalty for handball after a lengthy review.
Josephine Bonsu took responsibility from the spot. She stayed calm under pressure and sent the ball home to complete Ghana’s turnaround and put the Black Queens 2-1 ahead.
The final stages were far from comfortable. Côte d’Ivoire pushed hard for an equaliser, but Ghana defended with discipline and held their nerve when the pressure increased.
The victory was made even more impressive by the injury problems Ghana faced. Doris Boaduwaa and Evelyn Badu were forced off, while Susan Ama Duah was stretchered away late in the match.
For the Black Queens, this was more than a comeback win. It was a test of resilience, and they passed it.
Ghana now have a valuable advantage as they continue their fight for a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. After surviving a difficult night in Casablanca, the Black Queens can look ahead with renewed belief.
