Ghana’s Black Queens have sealed third place at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2024) after edging dethroned champions South Africa 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
South Africa, who had earlier lost a pulsating semi-final to Nigeria, came into the playoff as favourites, especially after defeating Ghana 2-0 in the group stage.
Desiree Ellis’s Banyana Banyana looked set to repeat that feat when they took the lead just before half-time, capitalising on a goalkeeping blunder from Cynthia Konlan that allowed Nonhlanhla Mthandi for the opener.
Ghana Snatches WAFCON 2024 Bronze Medal
Ghana hit back in the second half with renewed intensity. Their pressure paid off when Alice Kusi’s well-timed header forced an own goal from South Africa’s Andile Dlamini, levelling the scoreline and pushing the game into penalties.
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Ghana walk away with Bronze following a 4⃣➖3⃣ penalty shootout victory over Banyana Banyana!
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Bronze
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In the resulting shootout, Ghana held their nerve, converting four of their five kicks to clinch their fourth-ever WAFCON bronze medal. Goalkeeper Konlan made amends for her earlier gaffe by stopping two South African spot-kicks.
Remarkably, the Black Queens have never lost a third-place playoff at the continental showpiece, having won bronze in 2000, 2004, and 2016 – beating Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, and South Africa respectively.
This result might carry more than just statistical significance.
Will Super Falcons Keep WAFCON 2024 History?
Every time Ghana have secured bronze in the WAFCON, Nigeria have gone on to win the tournament.
In 2000, the Super Falcons lifted the title in South Africa after beating the Banyana Banyana. In 2004 and 2016, they beat Cameroon in both finals to maintain their dominance.
Now, Nigeria are back in the final, where they face hosts Morocco. The Super Falcons, nine-time African champions, are chasing a record-extending 10th crown.
Their final clash with Morocco is the first time both sides meet in a WAFCON final.
Morocco, on the other hand, are bidding for their maiden title on home soil. But if historical patterns and omens are anything to go by, Nigeria may have just received a subtle nod of fortune from their West African neighbours.