Cote d’Ivoire’s hopes of reaching the 2027 Women’s World Cup were ended by Ghana, who came from behind to win 2-1 in their play-off in Casablanca.
The Elephants took an early lead against the Black Queens at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Morocco, but Ghana recovered after half-time to complete the turnaround and secure victory.
The result means Cote d’Ivoire will not take part in the tournament, which is due to be held in Brazil. Their defeat also extends the country’s long wait for another appearance at the finals.
Cote d’Ivoire made the stronger start and were ahead after only four minutes. Ines Konan converted a penalty to give the Elephants the advantage and register her fifth goal of the competition.
That early breakthrough put Cote d’Ivoire in control of the scoreline, and they managed to preserve their lead through to half-time. Ghana, however, responded after the interval and gradually changed the direction of the match.
The Black Queens drew level in the 59th minute when Princess Dankwa Marfo found the net. Ghana then completed their comeback 13 minutes later, with Josephine Bonsu scoring from the penalty spot to put her side 2-1 ahead.
Cote d’Ivoire attempted to find an equaliser during the closing stages, but the Elephants could not break through again. Ghana held on to claim the victory and eliminate their opponents from the qualification process.
For Cote d’Ivoire, the defeat brings a definitive end to their hopes of reaching the 2027 finals. The team will now have to wait for another qualifying campaign to try to return to the global stage.
The Elephants have made only one previous appearance at the Women’s World Cup. That came in 2015, and they have not reached the finals since.
Their absence from the 2027 tournament will therefore continue a run that began after their debut nine years earlier. Despite taking the lead in Casablanca through Konan’s fourth-minute penalty, Cote d’Ivoire were unable to maintain their advantage once Ghana increased the pressure after the break.
Ghana’s two second-half goals proved decisive. Dankwa Marfo’s equaliser restored parity before Bonsu’s penalty gave the Black Queens the lead they would not surrender.
The final score confirmed Ghana’s progress and left Cote d’Ivoire facing another wait for an opportunity to return to the Women’s World Cup.
