Black Queens secured a dramatic 4–3 victory on penalties against South Africa’s Banyana Banyana to finish third at the 2024 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. The intense third-place playoff, held at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, ended 1–1 in regular time before the decisive shootout.
The match was a showcase of Ghana’s growing prowess in African women’s football. Despite trailing at halftime, the Black Queens showed remarkable composure and tactical discipline to overturn the deficit.
South Africa opened the scoring just before the break when Nonhlanhla Mthandi capitalized on a defensive mix-up in the 45th minute, coolly slotting home with a right-footed finish. However, Ghana fought back strongly in the second half. Their pressure paid off in the 68th minute when Alice Kusi forced an error from South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, resulting in a costly own goal that leveled the match.
With no extra time played in the third-place fixture, the match proceeded directly to penalties. The Black Queens remained composed, converting four out of five attempts. Alice Kusi, Josephine Bonsu, Jennifer Cudjoe, and Nancy Amoh all found the net, while Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah was the only Ghanaian to miss.
South Africa managed successful conversions through Linda Motlhalo, Bambanani Mbane, and Jermaine Seoposenwe, but critical misses by Sibulele Holweni and Hildah Magaia sealed their fate.
The victory was especially satisfying for Ghana, who had previously fallen 2–0 to South Africa during the group stage. This triumph not only avenges that loss but also delivers Ghana their first WAFCON podium finish since 2016.
The result highlights the Black Queens’ resurgence on the continental stage and underscores their readiness for future international competitions, including potential qualification campaigns for the 2026 FIFA Women’s World Cup and 2025 African Games.
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