The Black Queens of Ghana came from behind to beat Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 and strengthen their position in the race for World Cup qualification.
The Black Queens recovered from conceding an early penalty to overturn the deficit and claim an important victory, giving Ghana a valuable advantage heading into the decisive stage of the qualification campaign.
Côte d’Ivoire made the stronger start and were awarded a penalty in only the second minute. The opportunity was converted calmly to give the hosts a 1-0 lead before Ghana had settled into the contest.
Ghana responded by increasing the pressure on the Ivorian defence and almost levelled in the 16th minute. Princess produced an effort which narrowly missed the target, flashing across the face of goal.
The Black Queens continued to push forward as the opening half developed, looking for a way back into the match. Côte d’Ivoire, however, managed to withstand the pressure and went into half-time still holding their one-goal advantage.
Ghana returned from the interval with renewed purpose and were eventually rewarded for their persistence in the 58th minute.
Princess rose highest to meet a well-delivered corner and headed the ball into the net, bringing Ghana level at 1-1.
The equaliser changed the momentum of the match and gave the Black Queens greater confidence as they continued to attack in search of a second goal.
Their pressure eventually produced another major opportunity in the 72nd minute when Ghana were awarded a penalty.
Josephine Bonsu took responsibility from the spot and kept her composure to convert the kick, completing Ghana’s turnaround and putting the Black Queens 2-1 ahead.
Having surrendered their initial advantage, Côte d’Ivoire were then forced to chase an equaliser during the final stages.
The hosts created opportunities as they attempted to prevent Ghana from leaving with the victory, but the Black Queens remained organised and determined to protect their lead.
Cynthia Konlan was called upon to make an important contribution in the 78th minute when Côte d’Ivoire threatened to level the contest.
The Ghana goalkeeper responded with a timely save to keep her side in front and preserve the advantage they had worked hard to establish.
Ghana maintained their discipline during the closing stages, resisting the pressure from Côte d’Ivoire and seeing out the match to secure a 2-1 victory.
The result represents an important boost for the Black Queens as they continue their pursuit of qualification for the World Cup.
Having fallen behind almost immediately, Ghana showed resilience to recover through Princess’ second-half header before Bonsu’s penalty completed the comeback.
The victory leaves Ghana carrying a valuable advantage into the decisive phase of the qualification battle. Their ability to recover from an early setback and hold onto the lead in the closing stages could prove significant as the Black Queens seek to secure their place at the World Cup.
For Côte d’Ivoire, the defeat represents a missed opportunity after they had taken control of the match with an early penalty.
But Ghana ultimately produced the stronger response, scoring twice after the break and defending their advantage until the final whistle.
The Black Queens can now look ahead with increased confidence after a comeback that could prove crucial to their World Cup ambitions.
