Ghana and South Africa have secured places in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 inter-confederation play-offs after winning their WAFCON play-off matches on Tuesday.
South Africa defeated Nigeria 2-1, with Thembi Kgatlana opening the scoring in the 56th minute before Refiloe Jane doubled the lead 20 minutes later. Nigeria pulled one back through Christy Ucheibe from the penalty spot deep in stoppage time, but Banyana Banyana held on to advance.
Ghana also came from behind to beat Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 in Casablanca. Ines Konan gave Côte d’Ivoire an early lead from the penalty spot, but Princess Marfo equalised in the 59th minute before Josephine Bonsu converted a 72nd-minute penalty to complete Ghana’s comeback.
Both nations missed out on automatic World Cup qualification after failing to reach the WAFCON semi-finals, but their play-off victories keep their hopes of reaching Brazil 2027 alive.
Ghana are seeking a return to the Women’s World Cup for the first time since 2007, while South Africa remain on course for another appearance on the global stage.
The FIFA inter-confederation play-offs will determine the remaining teams that qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
