GHANA EDGE SOUTH AFRICA ON PENALTIES TO GRAB WAFCON BRONZE

By: Gyang Dakwo

Ghana’s Black Queens held their nerve in a tense penalty shootout to beat South Africa and win the bronze medal at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca.

The match ended 1-1 after full time, but Ghana triumphed 4-3 on penalties at the Stade Larbi Zaouli on Friday night. It was a dramatic and emotional end to a contest that lived up to the rivalry between both sides.

South Africa had beaten Ghana 2-0 in the group stage, but this time the Black Queens came out on top, just like they did in 2016 when they also won bronze against Banyana Banyana.

In regulation time, South Africa got the opening goal through Nonhlanhla Mthandi, who struck from outside the box in the 45th minute. The goal reflected a strong first-half display from the defending champions.

Ghana came back more determined in the second half and got their equaliser in the 68th minute in a rather lucky way. A blocked header by Alice Kusi bounced off goalkeeper Andile Dlamini and into the net, giving Ghana hope.

Both teams had chances to win it late on as Evelyn Badu came close for Ghana but saw her effort crash off the crossbar deep in stoppage time. On the other end, Linda Motlhalo forced a fine save from Ghana’s Cynthia Konlan.

With nothing separating the teams after 90 minutes, the game went to penalties.

Konlan stepped up for Ghana with two big saves, denying Hildah Magaia and Sibulele Holweni to put her side in front.

Even though Ghana’s Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah had her penalty saved by Dlamini, the Black Queens made up for it with calm finishes from Kusi, Josephine Bonsu, Jennifer Cudjoe, and Nancy Amoh.

Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe scored for South Africa, but it was not enough to keep their medal hopes alive.

At the end, it was Ghana who danced in celebration. Their pride was back, and revenge was complete.

The result capped a strong comeback story for Kim Björkegren’s side, who had come into the tournament as underdogs.

For South Africa, it was a disappointing end. After winning the title in 2022, Desiree Ellis’s team will return home without a medal, and attention may now turn to rebuilding with younger players.