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Banyana Banyana’s 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) journey came to a bitter end on Friday night after they were edged out 4-3 on penalties by Ghana in the third-place playoff match at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
The bronze medal match ended 1-1 after regulation time, forcing the tie into a penalty shootout to decide who would take home third place. Nonhlanhla Mthandi had given South Africa a first-half lead on the stroke of halftime, but Ghana fought back with a second-half equaliser from Alice Kusi in the 68th minute.
In the shootout, Linda Motlhalo, Bambanani Mbane and Jermaine Seoposenwe found the target for South Africa, but both Sibulele Holweni and Hildah Magaia were denied from the spot. Ghana held their nerve with successful kicks from Kusi, Josephine Bonsu, Jennifer Cudjoe and Nancy Amoh, securing the West Africans the bronze despite Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah’s miss, which was well saved by Banyana goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.
Both Dlamini and Ghana’s Cynthia Konlan were in fine form between the posts during the tense shootout, but it was Ghana who emerged victorious and claimed the podium finish.
For Banyana Banyana, the result marks a disappointing end to their title-defending campaign and also a bittersweet farewell for veteran forward Jermaine Seoposenwe, who had hoped to sign off her international career with a medal. Friday’s match marked her final appearance in national colours.
Despite the heartbreak, coach Dr Desiree Ellis commended her players for their resilience and effort throughout the tournament.
“I’m incredibly proud of the girls. They gave everything on the field, not only in this match but throughout the tournament,” said Ellis. “We came in as defending champions and carried that pressure with pride. Even though we didn’t make it to the final, the team showed character, spirit and the hunger to keep growing.”
South Africa’s route to the playoff was marked by a draining extra-time and penalty shootout victory over Senegal in the quarterfinals, followed by a narrow 2-1 loss to perennial rivals Nigeria in the semifinals. That match, also held at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, saw goals from Nigerian captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Michelle Alozie, while Motlhalo converted a penalty for South Africa.
The semifinal loss also ended Banyana’s remarkable 15-match unbeaten streak in open play at WAFCON – all under the leadership of Dr Ellis.
Although they fall short of the podium this time around, Banyana Banyana exit the tournament with pride and valuable lessons as they shift focus to future competitions and World Cup qualification.
The team is expected to return home on Monday, 28 July 2025, to begin their recovery and prepare for the next chapter in South African women’s football.
