The Black Queens of Ghana have secured a hard-fought bronze medal at the 2024 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), defeating South Africa 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in regulation time at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco.
The match proved to be a gripping contest from start to finish, with both teams battling for redemption and pride after falling short in the semi-finals.
Following the match, team captain Elizabeth Addo hailed the squad’s unity and mental strength, saying, “This was a match about belief. We kept our heads high, stayed focused, and got the job done for Ghana.”
South Africa opened the scoring in dramatic fashion just moments before the break. A lapse in Ghana’s defensive concentration allowed Nonhlanhla Mthandi to pounce, slotting home with precision in the 45th minute to give Banyana Banyana a slim lead going into halftime.
But the Black Queens refused to bow out quietly. In the second half, they responded with intensity and hunger, eventually finding a breakthrough in the 68th minute.
Alice Kusi pressed the South African backline aggressively, forcing a poor clearance from goalkeeper Andile Dlamini that ended in the back of the net. The equalizer, though credited as an own goal, was the product of relentless pressure and tactical discipline by the Ghanaians.
With the scoreline locked at 1–1 and no provision for extra time in the third-place match, the game proceeded straight to a penalty shootout. The tension was palpable as the two teams stepped up to decide the outcome from the spot.
Ghana held its nerve, with successful conversions from Alice Kusi, Josephine Bonsu, Jennifer Cudjoe, and Nancy Amoh sealing the deal. Despite a miss from Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, the Black Queens did enough to outpace their rivals.
South Africa, meanwhile, saw their hopes dashed by costly misses from Sibulele Holweni and Hildah Magaia. While Linda Motlhalo, Bambanani Mbane, and Jermaine Seoposenwe found the net, their efforts weren’t sufficient to stop Ghana from clinching victory.
For Ghana, the win was especially sweet. Having lost to South Africa 2–0 earlier in the tournament’s group stage, the Black Queens showed growth, character, and determination to overturn their previous setback.
Their resilience was not only rewarded with a medal but also sent a clear message about their intent to rise further in African women’s football.
The result caps off a spirited campaign for the Black Queens, who have rekindled hopes of a resurgence in continental football. With a renewed sense of purpose and a bronze medal to show for their efforts, the Queens have laid a solid foundation heading into future international competitions.
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