By Kwame Bediako
Ghana’s Black Queens secured a memorable third-place finish at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following a thrilling 4-3 penalty shootout win against South Africa. This victory marks their first WAFCON medal since 2016, recalling their previous bronze success when they also overcame the Banyana Banyana in a continental showdown nine years ago.
Coach Kim Lars Björkegren made a single change to the starting lineup from their previous game against Morocco, bringing Alice Kusi in place of Princess Marfo. The match saw several close chances in the opening stages, with Ghana’s Doris Boaduwaa and Alice Kusi missing notable opportunities early on.
South Africa seized the lead late in the first half after a mistake by Ghanaian goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan allowed Nonhlanhla Mthandi to score, giving the Banyana Banyana a 1-0 advantage at halftime. In the second half, Ghana upped their intensity and despite multiple attempts, including headed efforts by substitute Evelyn Badu, the equalizer eluded them for some time.
Finally, in the 68th minute, Alice Kusi connected with a cross from Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah to level the score at 1-1, setting the stage for a tense finish. Both teams struggled to find a winner in regular time, with Evelyn Badu’s strike hitting the bar, making a penalty shootout the inevitable decider.
During the shootout, Ghana missed only once, while South Africa faltered twice, enabling the Black Queens to clinch the bronze medal in a dramatic and hard-fought contest. This success comes as a reward for Ghana’s resilience and marks a significant achievement following their semi-final exit to hosts Morocco in a previous penalty shootout.
It also symbolically reignites the fierce rivalry between the two nations on the African women’s football stage. Meanwhile, attention now turns to the WAFCON final, where Nigeria aims for its 10th continental title against hosts Morocco on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
For Ghana, the bronze medal is a strong foundation to build upon as they continue their quest to reclaim continental glory and strengthen their presence in African women’s football.
