The Black Queens started strongly and should have taken the lead when Doris Boaduwaa missed her chance from close range. South Africa grew into the match and regained control, taking the lead just before halftime.
Nonhlanhla Mthandi broke the deadlock in the 45th minute with a precise right-footed shot from outside the box, capitalizing on a lapse in concentration in Ghana’s defense, giving Banyana Banyana a well-deserved advantage.
Ghana took charge in the second half and responded with renewed vigor. Their efforts paid off in the 68th minute after a chaotic sequence in the penalty area. Alice Kusi’s header was mishandled and deflected by South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini into her own goal, leveling the score at 1-1.
Both teams pushed for a late winner, with Ghana’s Evelyn Badu hitting the crossbar in stoppage time before Cynthia Konlan denied South Africa’s Linda Motlhalo at the other end. Neither team could find the breakthrough, leading to a penalty shootout.
The decisive shootout was filled with tension and drama, with a bronze medal on the line. Ghana maintained their composure, converting four of their five penalty attempts. Black Queens’ goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan emerged as the hero once again, saving crucial penalties from Hildah Magaia and Sibulele Holweni.
Ghana’s successful penalty takers included Alice Kusi, Josephine Bonsu, Jennifer Cudjoe, and Nancy Amoh, while Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah’s attempt was saved by Dlamini. Ultimately, Ghana won 4-3 in the shootout, securing third place in the tournament.
Notably, this match marked the third occasion at WAFCON 2024 that Ghana was required to settle a match through penalties.
The bronze medal is not only a reward for Ghana’s dramatic and resilient performances in Morocco. It also represents the nation’s first WAFCON podium finish since 2016, when they also defeated South Africa in the third-place playoff.
For head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren, this is a significant affirmation of the Black Queens’ resurgence after missing the previous WAFCON edition.
“I believe we have had a great tournament overall. We have demonstrated that we are one of the top teams in Africa. I think we have progressively improved throughout the tournament," he stated in the post-match conference.
“I mentioned from the beginning that the most crucial aspect is to grow into this tournament, to keep improving, and to have a chance to win it. We were a bit unlucky the other day when we lost on penalties to Morocco because I believe we deserved more, particularly 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% increase in tournament payouts this year.
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