Côte d’Ivoire have taken an early 1-0 lead against Ghana in their crucial FIFA Women’s World Cup play-off, with Ivory Coast converting from the penalty spot in the second minute.
The Ivorians were awarded a penalty inside the opening two minutes and made no mistake from the spot to put Ghana’s Black Queens on the back foot almost immediately.
Ghana responded positively and came close to restoring parity in the 16th minute when Princess unleashed an effort that flashed narrowly across the face of goal, leaving the Black Queens agonisingly close to an equalizer.
The Black Queens continued to dominate the pressure as the first half progressed, pushing forward in search of a breakthrough. By the 42nd minute, Ghana remained firmly in the contest and continued to probe the Ivorian defence.
Despite their sustained pressure, the Black Queens had yet to find the crucial final touch, leaving Côte d’Ivoire with a slender 1-0 advantage as the first half approached its conclusion.
Half-time score: Côte d’Ivoire 1-0 Ghana.
