WAFCON: Ghana beat South Africa to win bronze

Ghana’s Black Queens have secured the bronze medal at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, defeating South Africa 4-3 in a penalty shootout.

The last time the Ghanaians won the bronze medal was in 2016 when they also defeated South Africa.

Coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren made a tactical switch in the starting lineup, replacing Princess Marfo with Alice Kusi.

The forward Doris Boaduwaa had a golden opportunity to put Ghana ahead within the first 15 minutes but her close-range shot sailed over the bar.

Alice Kusi then had a chance to score after connecting with Portia Boakye’s corner kick, but her effort was inches wide. Grace Asantewaa’s shot forced Andile Dlamini to make a spectacular save; marking the game’s first shot on target according to 3News report.

Just as it seemed the teams would head into halftime goalless, goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan’s error allowed Nonhlanhla Mthandi to snatch the lead for Banyana Banyana. Ghana stepped up their game in the second half, creating scoring opportunities but failing to equalize.

Substitute Evelyn Badu’s header from Princella Adubea’s cross narrowly cleared the bar.

However, Alice Kusi’s connection with Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah’s cross leveled the score 1-1 in the 68th minute, sending the match to penalties.

In the shootout, Ghana’s goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan emerged as the hero, saving two crucial spot kicks. Nancy Amoh netted the winning penalty, securing Ghana’s bronze medal.