Ghana edge SA on penalties to clinch Wafcon bronze

Ghana held their nerve in a dramatic penalty shootout to defeat South Africa and claim the bronze medal at the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) in Casablanca on Friday night.

After a 1-1 draw in regulation time, the Black Queens triumphed 4-3 in the shootout at Stade Larbi Zaouli to seal third place in the tournament.

It was a fitting end to a thrilling encounter between two fierce rivals with a history of closely contested matches at Wafcon.

For Ghana, this was not just revenge for the 2-0 defeat to South Africa in the group stage, but also a repeat of their bronze medal feat in 2016—again against Banyana Banyana.

South Africa struck first through Nonhlanhla Mthandi just before the break. Her crisp right-footed strike from outside the box in the 45th minute gave Banyana the lead and capped a dominant first-half performance.

Ghana, however, responded with energy after the interval and found a deserved equaliser in the 68th minute, albeit in fortuitous fashion.

A defensive mix-up saw goalkeeper Andile Dlamini credited with an own goal after deflecting a blocked header from Alice Kusi into her own net.

Both sides had chances to win it late in regulation time. Ghana’s Evelyn Badu hit the crossbar deep into stoppage time, while South Africa’s Linda Motlhalo forced Cynthia Konlan into a smart save minutes earlier.

With the scores level at full-time, the match headed to penalties.

Konlan proved to be Ghana’s heroine, saving crucial spot-kicks from Hildah Magaia and Sibulele Holweni to tilt the balance in her side’s favour.

Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah had earlier seen her effort saved by South Africa’s Dlamini, but Ghana recovered thanks to composed finishes from Alice Kusi, Josephine Bonsu, Jennifer Cudjoe, and Nancy Amoh.

Jermaine Seoposenwe and Linda Motlhalo converted for South Africa, but the reigning champions fell short and left Morocco empty-handed, having missed out on the final and now the bronze medal as well.

It marked a spirited comeback by Kim Björkegren’s Black Queens, who entered the tournament as underdogs but leave with tangible proof of their resurgence on the continental stage.

For South Africa, the result will sting. Desiree Ellis’s side, crowned champions in 2022, had hoped to add a consolation medal to their cabinet. Instead, they return home needing to rebuild with younger players likely to take centre stage in the next cycle.

As the final whistle blew on a tense evening in Casablanca, it was Ghana’s players and staff who danced with joy— pride restored, and revenge sweetly served. – cafonline.com 

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