Ghana claims WAFCON bronze after penalty shootout against South Africa

Ghana defeated South Africa 4-3 on penalties to secure third place at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. The match, held at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca on Friday, saw the Black Queens add a fourth bronze medal to their WAFCON history. South Africa, the defending champions, were left empty-handed in their fourth knockout-stage meeting with Ghana.

Ghana dominated early chances, with Doris Boaduwaa missing a close-range header in the 15th minute. Alice Kusi also headed wide in the 23rd minute, while a deflected cross nearly fell to Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah before South Africa cleared. Against the run of play, Banyana Banyana took the lead in the 52nd minute after goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan’s error allowed Nonhlanhla Mthandi to slot into an empty net.

The Black Queens pushed for an equaliser, with substitute Evelyn Badu wasting two headed opportunities. Ghana’s persistence paid off in the 68th minute when Kusi’s header deflected off Bongeka Gamede and looped into the net. South Africa nearly regained the lead late, but Bambanani Mbane failed to convert from close range. Badu then struck the crossbar in stoppage time, forcing penalties.

In the shootout, South Africa’s Andile Dlamini saved Boye-Hlorkah’s attempt, but Konlan denied Sibulele Holweni to keep Ghana alive. Teenager Nancy Amoh sealed the win with Ghana’s final penalty after Linda Motlhalo and Thembi Kgatlana had earlier scored for Banyana. The victory marks Ghana’s first WAFCON medal since 2016.