Ghana’s Black Queens claimed third place at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a thrilling 4-3 penalty shootout win over defending champions South Africa at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca on Friday evening.
The closely contested bronze medal match had ended 1-1 after regulation time, setting the stage for a tense penalty shootout that ultimately saw Ghana emerge victorious.
The match was a rematch of their earlier group-stage encounter, where South Africa had comfortably defeated Ghana 2-0. However, the Black Queens turned the tables this time, showing grit and determination to avenge that loss and secure a podium finish.
South Africa struck first through Nonhlanhla Mthandi, who gave Banyana Banyana the lead on the stroke of halftime in the 45th minute. Ghana, however, found their way back into the match in the second half. Their equalizer came in the 68th minute via an own goal from South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, who mishandled a cross under pressure.
With no extra time played, the game moved straight to penalties. Ghana held their nerve from the spot, converting four of their five kicks through A. Kusi, J. Bonsu, J. Cudjoe, and N. Amoh. C. Boye-Hlorkah was the only player to miss for the Black Queens.
For South Africa, L. Motlhalo, B. Mbane, and J. Seoposenwe were on target, but crucial misses from S. Holweni and H. Magaia proved costly, handing Ghana the win and the bronze medal.
The result mirrors the 2016 WAFCON third-place playoff in Yaoundé, where Ghana also defeated South Africa 1-0 to finish third.
With this win, Ghana cap off their WAFCON 2024 campaign on a high, signaling a strong resurgence for the Black Queens on the continental stage.
