Ghana’s Black Queens secured third place at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout win over South Africa, avenging their group stage defeat in style.
The two sides met again at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, where South Africa had won 2-0 earlier in the tournament. This time, it was Ghana who had the final say.
Nonhlanhla Mthandi put Banyana Banyana ahead just before halftime, but a costly own goal by goalkeeper Andile Dlamini in the 68th minute handed Ghana a lifeline.
With no further goals in regulation time, it came down to penalties. Ghana converted four of their five spot kicks, while South Africa faltered with two misses. The result sealed Ghana’s first WAFCON medal since 2016 and marked a strong turnaround under Swedish coach Kim Björkegren.
Defending champions South Africa leave empty-handed, despite a promising campaign.
Ghana now lead the all-time rivalry with five wins to Banyana’s four.Saturday’s final between Nigeria and hosts Morocco kicks off at 9pm WAT.
