Casablanca, Morocco – Ghana’s Black Queens claimed a hard-fought victory in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout against South Africa to secure the bronze medal at the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). In front of a vibrant crowd at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca on Friday night, Ghana triumphed 4-3 on penalties after a dramatic 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The bronze medal finish marked a moment of sweet revenge and redemption for Ghana, who had suffered a 2-0 loss to the Banyana Banyana during the group stages. Friday’s win also mirrored their 2016 WAFCON bronze medal triumph, which also came at South Africa’s expense.
In a match charged with history and intensity, the two long-standing rivals delivered a gripping contest that showcased the growth and tenacity of African women’s football. It was a fitting finale to a tournament filled with surprises, resilience, and powerful performances from both teams.
South Africa, the 2022 champions, looked poised to repeat their dominance when they broke the deadlock just before halftime. In the 45th minute, Nonhlanhla Mthandi fired a precise right-footed shot from outside the box, beating Ghanaian goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan to give Banyana Banyana the lead. The strike capped off a first half largely controlled by the South Africans, who dictated the pace and tempo with calm authority.
However, the second half told a different story. Ghana emerged from the break with renewed energy and tactical adjustments from head coach Kim Björkegren. Their persistent pressure paid off in the 68th minute when a defensive error brought them level. Alice Kusi’s header was deflected into the net by South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini in a moment of misfortune that ultimately went down as an own goal.
With the score tied, both teams ramped up their attacking efforts in search of a winner. Ghana came closest in added time when midfielder Evelyn Badu unleashed a thunderous strike that rattled the crossbar. Just moments earlier, South Africa’s Linda Motlhalo had forced a brilliant save from Konlan, ensuring the match would be decided by penalties.
In the high-stakes shootout, Ghana’s composure proved decisive. Despite Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah’s early miss—saved by Dlamini—the Black Queens rallied with composed penalties from Alice Kusi, Josephine Bonsu, Jennifer Cudjoe, and Nancy Amoh.
The hero of the moment was undoubtedly Ghanaian goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan, who stepped up when it mattered most. She produced two vital saves—denying Hildah Magaia and Sibulele Holweni—to tip the shootout in Ghana’s favour and send the Queens into celebration.
South Africa’s Jermaine Seoposenwe and Linda Motlhalo converted their attempts, but the reigning champions ultimately fell short. It was a disappointing end for Desiree Ellis’s side, who had aimed to leave Morocco with at least a consolation medal after their semifinal loss.
For the Black Queens, this victory symbolizes far more than a third-place finish. It represents a bold resurgence for a side that had arrived in Morocco as underdogs. Under the leadership of Swedish coach Kim Björkegren, Ghana’s women have rediscovered their confidence, flair, and belief. Their spirited campaign in this year’s WAFCON has rekindled hopes for a return to their former glory.
Speaking after the match, Björkegren expressed pride in his team’s performance and resilience:
“This bronze medal means everything to us. We’ve worked hard, overcome doubts, and earned this moment. The girls showed incredible spirit and heart.”
Meanwhile, South Africa must now reckon with a transitional phase. Coach Desiree Ellis, who guided them to the title in 2022, will face mounting questions about the team’s future and the integration of younger talent as the next WAFCON cycle approaches.
“We didn’t get the result we wanted, but we’re proud of how far we’ve come,” Ellis said. “It’s time to reflect, rebuild, and come back stronger.”
As the final whistle blew and the dust settled on a tense night in Casablanca, the joy belonged to Ghana. The players embraced each other in tears, laughter, and song—relief and redemption etched on their faces. Pride was restored, memories rewritten, and long-standing wounds soothed by the sweet taste of victory.
With this result, Ghana’s Black Queens leave Morocco not just with medals around their necks, but with a renewed sense of purpose—and a message to the continent: the Queens are back.
