Ghana claims bronze over South Africa in shootout
Ghana beat defending champion South Africa 4-3 in a penalty shootout after their bronze medal match at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations ended 1-1 after 90 minutes in Casablanca.
Both sides found themselves in the third-place play-off after heartbreaking losses in their respective semi-finals, Ghana losing to host nation Morocco on penalties and Banyana Banyana losing 2-1 to Nigeria in stoppage-time.
But it was the Black Queens that appeared to have shaken off the disappointment best as it created the better of the early chances in this match.
However, a sloppy piece of football from Ghana goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan allowed South Africa to open the scoring on the stroke of half-time.
She failed to control a gentle backpass before hurriedly kicking the ball away in panic, right into the feet of Nonhlanhla Mthandi, who simply rolled the ball into the empty net.
Ghana continued to dominate in the second half and was finally rewarded on 68 minutes when a dangerous ball into the box was bundled home, South Africa goalkeeper Andile Dlamini credited with an own goal.
Ghana could have won it with the last kick of the 90, but substitute Evelyn Badu hit the underside of the crossbar with her effort inside the box, meaning the game would be decided via a penalty shootout.
Things didn't start well for Ghana when Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah saw her attempt saved by Dlamini after Linda Mothalo had scored the opening kick for South Africa.
Alice Kusi got things back on track for the Black Queens after Bambanani Mbane put South Africa in the lead, but Sibulele Holweni and Hildah Magaia missed for Banyana Banyana, leaving Nancy Amoh with the task of winning it with Ghana's fifth penalty.
Morocco and Nigeria will play in the showpiece final on Sunday (AEST) in front of what is expected to be a packed and partisan Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
Nigeria is chasing its 10th title while Morocco coach Jorge Vilda is looking to win his second successive major title as a coach, having led Spain to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup title against England in Australia.