By The Voice of Women Sport | August 14, 2026
Africa’s final route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil remains open for Ghana and South Africa after the two nations survived high-pressure play-off matches at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Black Queens of Ghana and Banyana Banyana of South Africa won their respective matches on Thursday, August 13, earning Africa’s two places in the FIFA Women’s World Cup inter-confederation play-offs. Their victories mean the dream of reaching Brazil is still alive, although another qualification hurdle remains.
Ghana Fight Back When It Matters Most
Ghana’s evening in Casablanca began badly.
Côte d’Ivoire needed only four minutes to take the lead at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, with Ines Konan converting from the penalty spot to put the Lady Elephants in control.
For Ghana, already dealing with the disappointment of missing automatic World Cup qualification in the WAFCON quarter-finals, another setback appeared to be unfolding.
But the Black Queens refused to allow their World Cup campaign to end.
After going into half-time 1–0 down, Ghana returned with greater urgency. Princess Marfo brought them level in the 59th minute, changing the direction of the contest and putting Côte d’Ivoire under increasing pressure. Thirteen minutes later came the decisive moment.
Ghana were awarded a penalty and Josephine Bonsu kept her composure to score in the 72nd minute, completing the comeback and giving the Black Queens a 2–1 victory.
It was more than another knockout win for Ghana.
The Black Queens appeared at three consecutive Women’s World Cups in 1999, 2003 and 2007, but have not returned to the tournament since. Their victory over Côte d’Ivoire means they are now a step closer to ending what would be a 20-year absence when the World Cup begins in Brazil.
South Africa Eliminate Nigeria
A few hours later, South Africa produced another major result for African women’s football, beating continental heavyweights Nigeria 2–1.
After a goalless opening half, Banyana Banyana struck first in the 56th minute. A quick South African counterattack ended with Hildah Magaia supplying Thembi Kgatlana, who finished calmly to put her country ahead.
Nigeria pushed for an equaliser, but South Africa goalkeeper Kaylin Swart stood firm, including an important save from Uchenna Kanu.
South Africa then doubled their advantage in the 76th minute when Refiloe Jane reacted quickest to a loose ball in the penalty area and drove her finish through a crowded Nigerian defence.
The Super Falcons were handed a late lifeline following a VAR review.
Jane was penalised for handball, received a second yellow card and was sent off, while substitute Christy Ucheibe converted the resulting penalty deep into stoppage time.
Nigeria pushed desperately for another goal, but South Africa survived the final moments to secure the victory and preserve their hopes of appearing at a third consecutive Women’s World Cup.
Africa’s World Cup Picture Takes Shape
Four African nations have already booked direct tickets to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup by reaching the WAFCON semi-finals: Algeria, Morocco, Malawi and Cameroon. Algeria and Malawi will make historic first appearances at the global tournament.
Ghana and South Africa now have the opportunity to join them through the inter-confederation route.
The preliminary phase of the FIFA Play-Off Tournament will feature six countries two from Africa, two from Asia, one from Oceania and one from South America at a centralised venue. The two successful nations from that stage will advance to the final phase, where further places at Brazil 2027 will be decided.
FIFA’s Play-Off Tournament will ultimately award three remaining places at the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
For Ghana and South Africa, therefore, Thursday’s victories were not the end of qualification they were perhaps the most important step yet.
Ghana are chasing a return to a stage they have not seen for two decades. South Africa are trying to extend the international progress that has made Banyana Banyana one of the continent’s most established sides.
Two countries. Two very different World Cup stories. And now, one final road towards Brazil 2027.
