Black Queens Secure 2027 World Cup Playoff Spot as Minister Kofi Adams Pledges Support for Women’s Football

Ghana’s national women’s team, the Black Queens, have moved a step closer to ending their two-decade-long absence from the FIFA Women’s World Cup after securing a 2-1 comeback victory over Côte d’Ivoire. This crucial win at the play-in stage guarantees Ghana a spot in the intercontinental playoffs for the 2027 tournament. The result comes amidst a seismic shift in African women’s football, as perennial powerhouses Nigeria failed to qualify for the first time in history following a defeat to South Africa. Ghana’s victory marks a significant milestone for the team, which has not appeared on the global stage since 2007.

The Black Queens showed remarkable resilience against the Ivorians, overcoming an early deficit after conceding a penalty. Goals from Princess Marfo and a decisive penalty from Josephine Bonsu turned the tide for Ghana, keeping their qualification hopes alive despite an earlier exit in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarter-finals. In a parallel playoff match, South Africa's 2-1 victory over Nigeria’s Super Falcons through goals from Thembi Kgatlana and Refiloe Jane marked a historic moment; Nigeria, winners of 10 WAFCON titles, will miss the global stage for the first time since the inaugural 1991 edition.

Following these developments, the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, has charged the Black Queens to remain focused on ending their World Cup drought. Emphasizing the team's potential, the Minister highlighted the government's commitment to sustained investment in the women's game. In a separate show of support, Minister Adams also met with representatives of Ampem Dakoa Ladies, congratulating them on their domestic championship and pledging state backing through the Sports Fund as they prepare to represent Ghana at the WAFU Zone B tournament in Burkina Faso.

As the road to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil continues, Ghana and South Africa join a pool of seven teams already confirmed for the ten-team intercontinental playoffs. For the Black Queens, the path forward involves a rigorous qualifier format against international opponents to secure a final ticket. While the victory over Côte d'Ivoire was accompanied by reports of internal discussions regarding player payments, the Ministry of Sports remains focused on strategic development, aiming to enhance contributions from the national lottery system to sustain the growth of women's football at both the club and national levels.