AFCON 2025: Ghana Edge South Africa in Thrilling Penalty Shootout to Claim Third Place

Ghana’s women’s national football team emerged victorious in a tense penalty shootout against South Africa to clinch the bronze medal at the ongoing 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

This third-place clash was a rematch of their earlier group stage battle, where Banyana Banyana—the nickname for South Africa’s team—had triumphed with a 2-0 scoreline. However, the script flipped in this playoff match as the Black Queens of Ghana displayed resilience and composure to secure a satisfying win through penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

The match began with high intensity from both sides, but it was Nonhlanhla Mthandi of South Africa who opened the scoring. She capitalized on a defensive lapse by Ghana to calmly slot the ball into an open net just before the halftime whistle, giving South Africa a 1-0 lead at the break.

However, Ghana responded in the second half with sustained pressure, eventually forcing an error that led to an own goal by Andile Dlamini, South Africa’s goalkeeper. The misdirected clearance leveled the scoreline at 1-1, setting up a dramatic finish.

There was no extra time in accordance with WAFCON’s rules for the third-place match, and the game proceeded directly to a penalty shootout. In the decisive moment, South Africa’s S. Holweni and H. Magaia missed their penalties, handing Ghana the edge.

The Black Queens held their nerve to convert their remaining spot kicks and secured a well-deserved third-place finish in the tournament. The win marks a significant comeback moment for Ghana’s women’s team after their earlier setback against the same opponents.

This result also adds another bronze medal to Ghana’s achievements in WAFCON history and boosts their confidence ahead of future international competitions.