Ghana refused to let its World Cup dream come to an end. The Black Queens came from behind to defeat Côte d'Ivoire 2-1 in Casablanca and secure their place in the inter-confederation playoffs for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Things could hardly have started worse for Ghana at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium. Ines Konan gave the Lady Elephants the lead from the penalty spot in just the fourth minute, but Ghana responded after halftime through goals from Princess Marfo and Josephine Bonsu to turn the match around.

An early blow

A penalty in the opening minutes allowed Ines Konan to convert from the spot in the fourth minute and give the Lady Elephants a 1-0 lead. The goal forced Ghana to chase the game from very early on, while Côte d'Ivoire looked to protect its advantage and find space on the counterattack.

The intensity and physicality of the match continued to increase. Bernadette Amani was booked in the 13th minute, while Portia Boakye received a yellow card in the 25th and Aïssata Gbehi also went into the referee's book.

Before halftime, Ghana suffered another setback when Doris Boaduwaa was forced off through injury, with Evelyn Badu taking her place. Despite the difficulties, the Black Queens managed to reach halftime trailing by only one goal.

Ghana completely turns the game around

Ghana came out with greater determination and in the 59th minute Princess Marfo found the equalizer, a goal that completely changed the course of the match and restored the Black Queens' confidence.

At 1-1, Ghana went from chasing the game to having the opportunity to take control. That chance came in the 72nd minute, when the team was awarded a penalty.

Josephine Bonsu stepped up and converted from the spot to make it 2-1, completing a comeback built in just 13 minutes.

Côte d'Ivoire searches for one last response

Ghana, however, held firm under pressure. Björkegren also refreshed his side with the introductions of players including Sharon Sampson, Alice Sarpong and Linda Owusu, as his players defended a lead worth far more than just a victory.

The final minutes were filled with tension, but the Black Queens managed to protect their 2-1 advantage until the final whistle.

The Brazil 2027 dream remains alive

The victory does not mean Ghana has already qualified for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. The Black Queens have advanced to the inter-confederation playoffs, where they will have to overcome further obstacles to claim one of the final available spots at the tournament in Brazil.

The win also keeps alive the possibility of ending a long absence. Ghana competed in three consecutive World Cups in 1999, 2003 and 2007, but has not managed to return to women's football's biggest stage since then.

For Côte d'Ivoire, meanwhile, the defeat means the end of the road to Brazil. The Lady Elephants were hoping to return to the World Cup after their only appearance in 2015, but Ghana's comeback brought those hopes to an end.

Ghana trailed almost from the very start, but responded when it mattered most. A comeback, two second-half goals and another obstacle overcome have kept alive the Black Queens' dream of returning to the World Cup after two decades.