Ghana Clinch WAFCON 2024 Bronze After Dramatic Penalty Win Over South Africa

Ghana Clinch WAFCON 2024 Bronze After Dramatic Penalty Win Over South Africa

By Admin 

 Ghana's Black Queens secured their fourth Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) bronze medal on Friday after defeating defending champions South Africa 4-3 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw in regular time at Stade Larbi Zaouli, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

In a match marred by defensive blunders, South Africa initially took the lead just before halftime. Ghanaian goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan, attempting to dribble inside her own six-yard box, was dispossessed by Nonhlanhla Mthandi who easily slotted home in the 45th minute.

Ghana responded in the second half when a routine header from Alice Kusi was misjudged by Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, who fumbled it into her own net in the 68th minute.

The match proceeded directly to penalties, where Ghana edged South Africa 4-3. Banyana Banyana's shooters faltered, with Sibulele Holweni and Hildah Magaia missing crucial spot-kicks, rendering Jermaine Seoposenwe’s fifth goal inconsequential. Ghana, despite missing their first penalty through Grace Asantewaa, rallied through successful conversions by Alice Kusi, Evelyn Badu, Jennifer Cudjoe, and Sonia Opoku.

South Africa made five changes from the squad that lost to Nigeria in the semifinals, fielding Holweni, Mthandi, Magaia, Lebohang Ramalepe, and Thalea Smidt, replacing key players such as Kholosa Biyana, Noxolo Cesane, and the injured Refiloe Jane, who underwent calf surgery in Casablanca.

This marks Ghana’s fourth WAFCON bronze, adding to previous third-place finishes in 1998, 2000, and 2016. Though the Black Queens have yet to win the continental title, they have now reached the podium seven times in tournament history.

A Bittersweet End for Banyana Banyana

The result marks a disappointing end for South Africa, who entered the tournament as reigning champions following their historic 2022 title win. South Africa had beaten Ghana 2-0 in the opening Group C match, making this bronze loss a fitting but painful reversal.

Banyana Banyana had an inconsistent campaign: after drawing with Tanzania and thrashing Mali 4-0 in the group stage, they edged Senegal in the quarterfinals via penalties before falling to Nigeria 2-1 in the semifinals.

South Africa, ranked 54th in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings, has had more WAFCON podium finishes than Ghana, including one championship, five silver medals, and two bronze medals.

Looking Ahead: Nigeria vs. Morocco in Grand Finale

All eyes now turn to Saturday’s highly anticipated final between nine-time champions Nigeria and host nation Morocco. The Super Falcons are chasing a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, while Morocco seeks its first-ever championship in front of a home crowd at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Morocco will also host the next WAFCON in March 2026, marking their third consecutive time as hosts of major African women’s football events.