Ghana, South Africa Keep 2027 Women’s World Cup Hopes Alive
Black Queens and Banyana Banyana book places in FIFA inter-confederation play-offs after crucial WAFCON victories
Ghana and South Africa have kept their hopes of reaching the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup alive after securing victories in their respective WAFCON play-off matches on Tuesday.
South Africa edged Nigeria 2-1 to claim their place in the FIFA inter-confederation play-offs. Thembi Kgatlana broke the deadlock in the 56th minute before Refiloe Jane doubled Banyana Banyana’s advantage 20 minutes later.
Nigeria managed to reduce the deficit when Christy Ucheibe converted a penalty deep into stoppage time, but South Africa held firm to secure the crucial victory.
Ghana also produced a comeback victory, defeating Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 in Casablanca. Ines Konan put Côte d’Ivoire ahead from the penalty spot early in the match, but the Black Queens responded strongly.
Princess Marfo restored parity in the 59th minute before Josephine Bonsu completed Ghana’s comeback by converting a 72nd-minute penalty.
Neither Ghana nor South Africa secured automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup after failing to reach the WAFCON semi-finals. However, their play-off victories have given both nations another opportunity to earn a place at the tournament in Brazil.
Ghana are aiming to return to the Women’s World Cup for the first time since their last appearance in 2007, while South Africa continue their quest for another appearance on football’s biggest global stage.
The FIFA inter-confederation play-offs will determine the remaining teams that qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
