Ghana’s Black Queens capped off their 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign on a high, securing a third-place finish with a tense 4-3 penalty shootout victory over South Africa on Friday.

The win marks Ghana’s first WAFCON medal since 2016 — a nostalgic repeat of that year’s bronze triumph, which also came at the expense of Banyana Banyana.

Head coach Kim Lars Björkegren made a single adjustment to the side that narrowly fell to hosts Morocco in the semifinals, handing a start to Alice Kusi in place of Princess Marfo.

Ghana started the brighter of the two sides and nearly took an early lead inside 15 minutes. Doris Boaduwaa, however, failed to convert a golden opportunity, firing over from close range. Kusi also came close shortly after, glancing a header just wide from a Portia Boakye corner.

The Black Queens continued to dominate possession, with Grace Asantewaa forcing a sharp save from South Africa goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.

But a defensive lapse cost them dearly just before halftime, as Ghana goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan’s misjudgment allowed Nonhlanhla Mthandi to fire South Africa into the lead.

Ghana came out strong after the break, pushing for an equaliser. Substitute Evelyn Badu twice came close with headers, while Princella Adubea’s dangerous deliveries kept the Banyana Banyana defence under pressure.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 68th minute when Kusi met a low cross from Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah and calmly slotted home to level the score at 1-1.

Buoyed by the equaliser, the Black Queens pushed for a late winner, and Badu nearly delivered — rattling the crossbar with a thunderous strike. With the match still level after 90 minutes, it was settled by penalties.

Despite Boye-Hlorkah missing her spot-kick, Ghana held their nerve. South Africa faltered with two missed attempts, allowing the Black Queens to seal a dramatic 4-3 win and claim the bronze medal.

The 2025 WAFCON wraps up on Saturday, July 26, with hosts Morocco set to battle nine-time champions Nigeria in what promises to be a thrilling final