Rabat, Morocco – July 25, 2025 – Ghana’s Black Queens have ended their eight-year wait for a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) medal after edging defending champions South Africa in a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory to claim bronze at the 2024 edition of the tournament.
The third-place playoff, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, concluded with both teams locked at 1-1 after regulation time. Ghana, however, held their nerve from the spot to secure their first AFCON medal since 2016, repeating history by defeating the Banyana Banyana in a bronze final — just like they did nine years ago in Cameroon.
⚽ A Game of Grit, Goals, and Guts
The match kicked off with high intensity as both teams pushed for an early advantage. South Africa drew first blood in the 45th minute, when Nonhlanhla Mthandi unleashed a stunning right-footed effort from outside the box, putting Banyana Banyana ahead just before the break.
But Ghana wasn’t done.
After sustained pressure in the second half, the Black Queens leveled in the 68th minute in dramatic fashion. A well-placed cross by Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah found Alice Kusi, whose header deflected off South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini and into the net — registered officially as an own goal.
🧤 Cynthia Konlan: The Hero Between the Posts
With the match heading into penalties, Ghana’s goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan emerged as the hero. She made two crucial saves to deny Sibulele Holweni and Hildah Magaia, securing the win for the Black Queens.
Ghana’s spot-kick scorers included Alice Kusi, Josephine Bonsu, Jennifer Cudjoe, and Nancy Amoh, all of whom converted with confidence. Although Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah missed her attempt, Konlan’s brilliance ensured it didn’t matter in the end.
South Africa, who won the 2022 tournament, had to settle for fourth place, falling short of defending their continental crown.
🇬🇭 A Triumphant Comeback for the Black Queens
The win marks a significant achievement for Ghana’s women’s football, signaling a strong return to form after their narrow semifinal loss to hosts Morocco.
“This victory is for all Ghanaians — for the girls back home, for the fans who believed in us,” said captain Alice Kusi after the match. “We fought with heart, and today, we showed what the Black Queens are made of.”
The third-place finish re-establishes Ghana as one of Africa’s elite women’s football nations and offers a major morale boost ahead of future international fixtures.
📷 Match at a Glance
Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat Final Score: Ghana 1 – 1 South Africa (Ghana won 4-3 on penalties)
Ghana Goals: 68’ (Own Goal via Kusi header) South Africa Goals:
45’ Nonhlanhla Mthandi Penalty Heroes: Cynthia Konlan (Ghana), Andile Dlamini (South Africa) Previous Meeting in Bronze Final: Ghana defeated South Africa in 2016
Ghana returns home with pride restored, having overcome both early disappointment and long odds. As Nigeria meets Morocco in the final on 26 July, the Black Queens’ resurgence offers fresh optimism for African women’s football.
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