Ghana edge South Africa on penalties to claim 2024 WAFCON bronze

Ghana clinched third place at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON after defeating South Africa 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

The result preserves Ghana’s perfect record in third-place playoffs, marking their fourth consecutive victory in such matches at the tournament.

South Africa took the lead just before halftime through Nonhlanhla Mthandi, but Ghana drew level in the second half after an own goal gifted them an equaliser.

In the shootout, the Black Queens held their nerve, with Alice Kusi, Josephine Bonsu, Jennifer Cudjoe, and Nancy Amoh all converting their spot kicks. Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah was the only Ghanaian to miss. South Africa, on the other hand, failed to convert three of their five attempts.

It was Ghana’s third consecutive penalty shootout in the tournament. They edged Algeria in the quarterfinals, lost to hosts Morocco in the semi-finals, and finished on a high with a win against Banyana Banyana.

The Black Queens’ bronze medal marks a remarkable turnaround after a shaky start to the competition, which began with a 2-0 loss to South Africa in the group stage.