By: Kwame Bediako
At the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Ghana’s Black Queens achieved a memorable third-place finish after defeating South Africa in a dramatic penalty shootout.
The match ended 1-1 in regular time before Ghana triumphed 4-3 on penalties, marking their fourth time securing a bronze medal in the tournament’s history.
This victory earned the Black Queens a historic prize of $350,000, a significant financial reward reflecting their strong performance. The Black Queens’ journey to the podium was a testament to their resilience and skill.
Despite an initial group stage defeat to South Africa, Ghana’s team fought back with a crucial 4-1 win against Tanzania that helped them advance to the knockout rounds.
Their victory over South Africa in the bronze medal match served as both redemption and a demonstration of the team’s growth at WAFCON 2024.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Super Falcons made history by winning the WAFCON 2024 title for the tenth time, solidifying their dominance in African women’s football. They clinched the championship in a thrilling final against Morocco with a 3-2 comeback victory.
Their triumph was not only marked by a dramatic on-field performance but also by a record-breaking $1 million prize, doubling the previous winnings and signaling increased investment and recognition for women’s football by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The substantial prize money awarded represents a broader advancement for women’s football across Africa.
CAF increased the total prize pool for the 2024 tournament by 45%, with clear intentions to improve salaries and support for women players, coaches and staff.
This financial boost underscores the growing prominence and value of the women’s game on the continent.
