Ghana’s Black Queens have ended the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in third to win bronze following their 4-3 penalty victory over South Africa.
It was their first medal since 2016 for the Queens who also defeated the Banyana Banyana in continental event nine years ago.
Kim Lars Bjorkegren made just one change to his starting lineup from the game against Morocco with Alice Kusi replacing Princess Marfo.
Doris Boaduwaa should have put Ghana in the lead after the opening 15 minutes but the Israel-based forward missed from close range with her shot going over the crossbar.
The next chance of the game fell to Alice Kusi, who missed by inches after meeting Portia Boakye’s corner kick.
Grace Asantewaa forced a good save out of Andile Dlamini for the game’s first shot on target.
Just when the two teams seemed to be settling for a 0-0 score at half time, a howler from goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan was capitalised on by Nonhlanhla Mthandi to give Banyana Banyana the lead.
Ghana’s intensity improved in the second half, creating chances in the final third but once again were unable to draw level.
Substitute Evelyn Badu headed just over the crossbar from a Princella Adubea cross.
She was handed another opportunity which she headed just wide of the post.
However, the breakthrough for Ghana came in the 68th minute when Alice Kusi connected with Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah’s cross to make it 1-1.
The Queens made few efforts at goal with the clearest falling on the path of striker Evelyn Badu whose strike hit the bar as penalty became the apparent decider for both sides.
Chantelle missed her spot kick but it proved futile as two misses from South Africa saw Ghana clinch third position.
Meanwhile, Nigeria will be hoping for their 10th title in the final against hosts Morocco on Saturday July 26.
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