In a thrilling penalty shootout, Ghana demonstrated remarkable composure to overcome South Africa and secure the bronze medal in Casablanca on Friday evening at the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Following a tense 11 draw in regulation time, the Black Queens won 43 in the shootout at Stade Larbi Zaouli. This game provided a fitting conclusion to a feud defined by tightly fought fights at WAFCON.

Ghana not only avenged their 20 defeat in the group stage but also repeated their bronze medal achievement from 2016 against the same team. Through Nonhlanhla Mthandi, South Africa took the lead right before halftime, whose goal showed off a fantastic first half.

But after the break, Ghana woke and tied in the 68th minute as a result of a defensive blunder that caused Andile Dlamini, the goalkeeper for South Africa, to score.

Late in regulation, both sides had opportunities to win it; Evelyn Badu of Ghana hit the crossbar, and South Africa’s Linda Motlhalo forced a critical save from Ghana’s Cynthia Konlan.

The game went to penalties with the score tied, where Konlan came out as the hero with crucial saves against Hildah Magaia and Sibulele Holweni. Confidently converted their penalties were Ghana’s Alice Kusi, Josephine Bonsu, Jennifer Cudjoe, and Nancy Amoh.

Though Jermaine Seoposenwe and Linda Motlhalo found the net for South Africa, they fell short, leaving Morocco empty-handed after their dismal exit.

Having started as underdogs and finished with evidence of their comeback, Kim Björkegren’s Black Queens had a great comeback in this tournament. Meanwhile, South Africa’s loss hurts as they try to rebuild with a younger team for the following cycle.

Ghana’s players and staff celebrated as the final whistle blew, pride reclaimed and revenge exquisitely delivered.

Alice Kusi was named the Woman of the Match after an impressive performance to secure third place.