By Victor Kanayo
Ghana has clinched the bronze medal of the ongoing CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after defeating South Africa 4-3 in a pulsating penalty shootout inside Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca, Morocco.
The South African side also known as Banyana Banyana won the last edition of the tournament in 2022.
The penalty late Friday night was inevitable after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Reignited Rivalry
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.
Action Point
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.
Dramatic Shootouts
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.
Twist Of Fate
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.
Heritage Times HT reports that Nigeria will battle host Morocco in the final showdown on Saturday. Kick-off is 9pm.
