The Black Queens of Ghana 🇬🇭 have made the nation proud by securing the bronze medal at the 2024 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, overcoming South Africa 🇿🇦 in a tense penalty shootout (4–3) following a 1–1 draw in regulation time.
The victory marks Ghana’s first podium finish since 2016, and a symbolic return to the upper echelon of African women’s football.
🏟️ Match Overview: A Tale of Two Halves
The third-place playoff, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, was fiercely contested.
- South Africa 🇿🇦, reigning WAFCON champions, took the lead just before half-time through a clinical finish by Nonhlanhla Mthandi, silencing the Ghanaian supporters in the stands.
- However, the Black Queens 🇬🇭 came back stronger in the second half. Their persistence paid off in the 68th minute when a cross into the box forced South Africa’s goalkeeper Andile Dlamini into a mistake, resulting in an own goal that brought the match level at 1–1.
Despite opportunities on both sides, the scoreline remained unchanged through extra time, leading to a nail-biting penalty shootout.
🎯 Penalty Shootout Drama
Ghana converted four of their five penalties with composure and precision. South Africa faltered under pressure, with two of their kicks saved or missed.
Final shootout score:
➡️ Ghana 🇬🇭 – 4
➡️ South Africa 🇿🇦 – 3
This emotional victory sparked wild celebrations among players and fans alike, as Ghana sealed a deserved place on the medal podium.
🧠 Coach’s Insight: Resilience Rewarded
Speaking after the game, Ghana’s head coach Kim Lars Björkegren praised the team’s spirit and tactical discipline:
“We came here not just to compete but to prove a point. Ghana 🇬🇭 belongs at the top of African football, and today we showed exactly why. The girls were warriors—disciplined, brave, and hungry.”
He added that this bronze medal was a testament to the hard work done behind the scenes to rebuild the Black Queens team and instill a winning mentality.
🗣️ South Africa’s Reaction: Respect for Ghana
South Africa’s head coach, Desiree Ellis, admitted her side was outplayed in key moments of the second half:
“Ghana 🇬🇭 was simply better after the break. They pressed us hard and didn’t allow us to settle. They deserve this win.”
🏆 Historical Significance for Ghana 🇬🇭
This bronze medal represents more than just a tournament achievement—it signals resurgence for the Black Queens:
- It’s Ghana’s first WAFCON medal since 2016, ending a nine-year drought.
- The Queens also avenged their semifinal heartbreak against Morocco, where they lost 4–2 on penalties after a spirited performance.
- With a new coaching philosophy, strong youth integration, and improved team chemistry, Ghana’s women’s football is clearly on an upward trajectory.
🌍 What’s Next for the Black Queens?
This third-place finish not only boosts the team’s morale but also improves Ghana’s FIFA ranking and continental seeding for future tournaments. It reinforces the team’s readiness to challenge for the title in future WAFCON editions and qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
🇬🇭 A Nation Rejoices
Across Ghana, fans, former players, and dignitaries have praised the team for their determination and dedication. Social media has been flooded with hashtags like #QueensOfAfrica, #GhanaPride, and #WAFCON2024 in celebration.
📊 Match Summary
| 🔹 Detail | 🔸 Outcome |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Ghana 1–1 South Africa |
| Penalty Result | Ghana 4–3 South Africa |
| Ghana Scorer | Own Goal (Dlamini, 68’) |
| SA Scorer | Nonhlanhla Mthandi (45’) |
| Medal Secured | 🥉 Bronze |
| Last WAFCON Medal | 2016 (also Bronze) |
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