WAFCON: Ghana Beat South Africa to Clinch Bronze Medal

By Our Correspondent

Ghana, on Friday night, rekindled the memories of their 2003 triumph by edging out South Africa to claim the bronze medal at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

The Black Queens sealed their victory via a dramatic penalty shootout, winning 4–3 after both teams ended regulation time tied at 1–1.

In the tense shootout, South Africa faltered by missing their third and fourth spot kicks, while Ghana lost only one—taken by Akufo.

The match had earlier seen South Africa take the lead just before halftime in the 45th minute, despite Ghana dominating much of the first half.

Ghana returned from the break with renewed determination and were rewarded in the 67th minute with a crucial equaliser. The Black Queens maintained pressure and nearly secured a late winner in regular time, only to be denied by the woodwork in the dying moments.

With this win, Ghana has repeated history, having also defeated South Africa in the third-place match of the 2003 edition of the tournament.

This marks the first time in 17 years that a WAFCON bronze medal match has been decided via penalty kicks.

The tournament continues tomorrow as Nigeria takes on host nation Morocco in the much-anticipated final.