Ghana’s Black Queens claimed the bronze medal at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), defeating reigning champions South Africa 4-3 on penalties after a tense 1-1 sketch in regulation time at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
The Black Queens started the stronger of the two and should have taken the lead when Doris Boaduwaa skied her effort from the six-yard box.
South Africa expanded into the game and regained the ascendancy as they took the lead just before half-time.
Nonhlanhla Mthandi shattered the deadlock in the 45th minute with a crisp right-footed strike from outside the box, capitalising on a lapse in concentration in Ghana’s defence to offer Banyana Banyana a acquired advantage.
Ghana took control in the second half and responded with renewed energy.
Their efforts were rewarded in the 68th minute after a chaotic sequence in the box.
Alice Kusi’s header was mishandled and deflected by South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini into her own net, levelling the score at 1-1.
Both sides pressed for a late winner, with Ghana’s Evelyn Badu rattling the crossbar in stoppage time before Cynthia Konlan refused South Africa’s Linda Motlhalo at the other terminate.
Neither team could locate a breakthrough, sending the match straight to penalties.
The decisive shootout was full of nerves and drama with a bronze medal at stake.
Ghana gripped their nerve, converting four of their five spot-kicks.
Black Queens’ keeper Cynthia Konlan was the hero once again, saving vital penalties from Hildah Magaia and Sibulele Holweni.
Ghana’s successful takers contained Alice Kusi, Josephine Bonsu, Jennifer Cudjoe, and Nancy Amoh, while Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah’s try was saved by Dlamini.
In the terminate, Ghana triumphed 4-3 in the shootout, clinching third place in the tournament.
Remarkably, this match marked the third time at WAFCON 2024 that Ghana were compelled to settle a contest via penalties.
The bronze medal is not just a reward for Ghana’s dramatic and gritty performances in Morocco.
It also marks the nation’s first WAFCON podium complete since 2016, when they also beat South Africa in the third-place playoff.
For lead coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren, it’s a significant statement of the Black Queens’ resurgence after missing the previous edition of WAFCON.
“I think overall we have made a great tournament.
We have shown that we are one of the best teams in Africa.
I think we have played better and better in the tournament," he said in the post-match conference.
“I said from the start that the most important thing is to expand into this tournament to do better and better, to have a chance to win it.
We lacked a little snapped of luck the other day when we lost the penalties against Morocco because I think we acquired more, especially in the first half.
"Finishing third at WAFCON 2024 comes with a historic financial reward as Ghana secured $350,000 in prize money, thanks to the Confederation of African Football’s 100% expand in tournament payouts this year.
Owuraku AmpofoBetopick News
The Ultimate Guide to Winning Football Predictions with Betopick
Top 5 Best Football Prediction Sites for Winning
The Role of Data Analytics in Enhancing Football Betting Predictions
Three Things You Should Look Into Every Time You Place a Football Bet
Why 1win Stands Out as the Best Crypto Casino Right Now
FIFA president Infantino says Club World Cup is 'world's most successful competition'