Ghana’s Black Queens secured a third-place finish at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after edging out South Africa 4-3 on penalties in a tense playoff encounter.
The victory marks Ghana’s first WAFCON medal since 2016 and rekindles memories of their last bronze-winning feat, which also came at the expense of South Africa’s Banyana Banyana nine years ago.
Head coach Kim Lars Björkegren made just one change to the side that narrowly lost to Morocco in the semifinals, with Alice Kusi replacing Princess Marfo in the starting XI.
Ghana dominated early proceedings and came close to taking the lead inside 15 minutes, but forward Doris Boaduwaa failed to convert from close range, blasting her effort over the bar. Moments later, Kusi nearly found the breakthrough with a glancing header off Portia Boakye’s corner, narrowly missing the target.
The Black Queens continued to press, with Grace Asantewaa drawing the first real save of the game from South Africa goalkeeper Andile Dlamini. But just before the break, a costly error from Ghana goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan gifted Nonhlanhla Mthandi the opener, sending South Africa into halftime with a 1-0 lead.
The Queens emerged from the break with renewed urgency, creating more opportunities in the attacking third. Substitute Evelyn Badu twice came close to equalising—first heading over the bar, then nodding wide from a teasing Princella Adubea delivery.
Ghana finally found the equaliser in the 68th minute when Kusi latched onto a cross from Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah to slot home, making it 1-1.
The momentum remained with Ghana in the closing stages, and Badu came agonisingly close to winning it in regulation time, striking the crossbar with a fierce effort. With neither side able to find a winner, the match was decided by penalties.
Despite a miss from Boye-Hlorkah during the shootout, Ghana prevailed after two failed attempts from South Africa, sealing a hard-fought 4-3 shootout victory and claiming bronze.
The tournament will conclude on Saturday, July 26, with hosts Morocco facing record nine-time champions Nigeria in the final.
