Ghana’s Black Queens delivered a stunning comeback and sealed a memorable 4-3 penalty shootout victory over South Africa to clinch the bronze medal at the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Casablanca on Friday night.
In a pulsating encounter at Stade Larbi Zaouli, the two fierce rivals fought to a 1-1 draw in regulation time before heading into a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Ghana, undaunted by their group stage defeat to the reigning champions, exacted sweet revenge with composure, grit, and heart.
South Africa took the lead late in the first half when Nonhlanhla Mthandi fired a clean strike from outside the box in the 45th minute. The goal crowned a dominant half by Banyana Banyana, who looked poised to control the match.
However, the Black Queens returned from the break with renewed determination. Their persistence paid off in the 68th minute, when a defensive blunder saw South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini deflect a blocked header from Alice Kusi into her own net — a moment of fortune Ghana fully capitalised on.
Both teams had golden chances to win it in regular time. Evelyn Badu’s thunderous shot in stoppage time rattled the crossbar for Ghana, while Linda Motlhalo nearly stole it for South Africa with a close-range effort that was expertly denied by Ghanaian goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan.
In the ensuing shootout, Konlan emerged as Ghana’s hero, making brilliant saves from Hildah Magaia and Sibulele Holweni. Despite an early miss from Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, the Black Queens stayed calm under pressure with successful spot-kicks from Alice Kusi, Josephine Bonsu, Jennifer Cudjoe, and Nancy Amoh.
Jermaine Seoposenwe and Motlhalo converted for South Africa, but the reigning champions faltered when it mattered most, bowing out of the tournament without a medal. It’s a bitter end for Desiree Ellis and her side, who lifted the trophy just two years ago but now face a turning point as they look toward a squad rebuild.
For Ghana, this bronze medal is far more than third place — it’s a symbol of resilience, redemption, and resurgence. Under coach Kim Björkegren, the Black Queens came into the tournament as underdogs but now leave with pride restored and momentum firmly in their favour.
As the final whistle echoed across Casablanca, joy erupted on the Ghanaian bench. It was a powerful moment of national pride, a cathartic release after years of heartbreak and a bold statement that the Black Queens are back.
