Despite being eliminated from the ongoing 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at the quarter-final stage by Malawi, Ghana had another opportunity to still qualify for next year's Women's World Cup.
The Black Queens faced Ivory Coast, who were eliminated by Algeria, in the play-in for the Mundial at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
Ghana were off to the worst possible start after Princess Marfo gave away a penalty in the opening seconds of the game. After a long VAR check, Ivory Coast were awarded a spot kick, which Ines Konan stepped up and converted.
Ghana struggled to create any meaningful openings in the first half, with Ivory Coast remaining resolute in defence, holding onto their early lead.
Doris Boaduwaa was forced off due to injury in added time of the first half and was replaced by Evelyn Badu.
Kim Lars Bjokergren seemed to have got his message across during half-time as the Black Queens looked like a completely different side.
Stella Nyamekye, who was starting her first game at this WAFCON, thought she had levelled the game for Ghana.
However, a VAR intervention confirmed a foul on goalkeeper Oceane Lamfir by Badu during the buildup leading to the goal.
That didn't slow down the Black Queens, who intensified their pursuit of an equaliser, which came just a minute shy of the hour mark. A Nyamekye inswinging corner was nodded in at the far post by Marfo to give Ghana a well-deserved equaliser.
Just 10 minutes later, a Grace Asantewaa shot appeared to have hit the hand of Mariam Diakite and once again a long VAR check deemed it a penalty for Ghana.
Josephine Bonsu stepped up and coolly converted to give Ghana the lead with less than 20 minutes remaining.
The Black Queens held on despite a late surge from the Ivorians to book their spot at the intercontinental play-offs for next year's Women's World Cup.
The preliminary phase of the play-offs will take place later this year in November at a neutral ground where the Black Queens will play three games, and if they finish top two in the standings, they progress to the final phase.
WAFCON 2026
The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is taking place from July 26th to August 16th in Morocco, across venues in Rabat and Casablanca. The continent's 16 best sides competed in groups of four before the knockout stages commenced on August 8th.
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