By: Kwame Bediako
Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire produced an exhilarating encounter that ended in a 3-3 draw, after the Black Queens squandered a commanding two-goal lead in the second half. The match, part of their preparations for upcoming tournaments, saw both teams showcase attacking prowess and resilience, with the game ultimately ending in a thrilling stalemate.
The Black Queens opened the scoring early in the game, with Sherifatu Sumaila firing a stunning shot into the net after 18 minutes. This goal set the tone for Ghana’s dominance as they continued to press forward. Their efforts paid off just before halftime when Chantelle Hlorgah, based in England, scored her first goal for the senior national team, doubling the lead in the 41st minute and giving Ghana a comfortable 2-0 advantage.
However, Côte d’Ivoire refused to fold and pulled a goal back three minutes later, reducing the deficit to 2-1 as the two teams headed into the break. The second half saw Ghana extend their lead through an own goal in the 51st minute, making it 3-1 and seemingly sealing the match. But Côte d’Ivoire mounted a fierce comeback, scoring two quick goals in the 70th and 80th minutes, to level the score at 3-3 amid end-to-end action and heightened tension.
Despite numerous scoring opportunities for both sides, neither team managed to find the winning goal in the remaining minutes. The match concluded with a dramatic 3-3 scoreline, leaving fans eager for their next encounter. The two teams are scheduled to meet again next week in another friendly, as Ghana prepares to return home after an intense and entertaining contest.
