Ghana’s Black Queens edged South Africa’s Banyana Banyana 4-3 on penalties to clinch the bronze medal at the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following a dramatic third-place playoff at the Stade Larbi Zaouli on Friday night.
The match had ended 1-1 in regulation time before goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan emerged as the hero for Ghana in the shootout, saving two penalties to secure a hard-fought victory and spark wild celebrations among the Ghanaian contingent.
South Africa drew first blood in the final moments of the first half, with Nonhlanhla Mthandi’s powerful right-footed strike from outside the box handing Desiree Ellis’s side a 1-0 lead at the break after a dominant display in the opening 45 minutes.
However, Ghana responded strongly in the second half and levelled the score in the 68th minute through a slice of fortune.
A miscommunication at the back saw South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini inadvertently deflect a blocked header from Alice Kusi into her own net.
The match remained finely poised heading into the final minutes, with both sides spurning late opportunities to win it.
Ghana’s Evelyn Badu struck the crossbar in stoppage time, while Linda Motlhalo tested Konlan with a fierce effort that required a sharp save.
With no breakthrough in regulation time, the contest was decided by spot-kicks.
Konlan stepped up brilliantly, denying efforts from Hildah Magaia and Sibulele Holweni to give Ghana the edge.
Although Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah’s penalty was saved by Dlamini, the Black Queens held their nerve with successful conversions from Kusi, Josephine Bonsu, Jennifer Cudjoe, and Nancy Amoh.
Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe converted for South Africa, but the defending champions ultimately fell short, ending the tournament without a medal.
The result was a sweet moment of revenge for Ghana, who had lost 2-0 to South Africa in the group stage.
It also echoed their 2016 bronze medal triumph—coincidentally also against Banyana Banyana—and capped a remarkable turnaround for Kim Björkegren’s side, who entered the tournament as underdogs but exit with a well-earned place on the podium.
For South Africa, the disappointment was palpable.
Having failed to reach the final, the reigning champions will now return home empty-handed, with rebuilding likely on the horizon as a new generation of talent prepares to step forward.
As the final whistle brought an end to a tense encounter, it was the Black Queens who celebrated joyfully in Casablanca—restoring pride, exacting revenge, and reaffirming their place among Africa’s elite.