Posted July 26, 2025 | 4-min read
Ghana’s Black Queens are bringing home bronze. On Friday, July 25, 2025, they grabbed third place at the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca, edging out South Africa 4-3 in a nail-biting penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. It’s a proud moment for Ghanaian football, a nod to their grit, and a launchpad for bigger things.
From Heartbreak to Victory
Five days ago, the Black Queens took a tough hit, losing to hosts Morocco in a penalty shootout in the semi-finals. It hurt, no doubt, but they didn’t let it break them. They turned it around for the bronze-medal match against South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, a team that had already beaten them 2-0 earlier in the group stage.
The game was intense:
- 45th minute: South Africa’s Nonhlanhla Mthandi caught Ghana off guard with a long-range rocket just before the break, putting Banyana up 1-0.
- 68th minute: Things shifted when a Ghanaian corner led to an own goal by Banyana’s goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, who fumbled the ball into her own net.
- Extra time: After 120 minutes, it was still 1-1. The match went to penalties, and goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan stole the show, saving two shots to lock in Ghana’s fourth bronze medal in WAFCON history.
What Stood Out
This win wasn’t just a scoreline. It carried weight:
- Payback time: Ghana turned the tables on South Africa, getting even for that group-stage loss.
- History repeats: Their last WAFCON bronze in 2016? Also against South Africa. Feels like fate.
- Cynthia Konlan’s moment: The goalkeeper’s cool-headed saves in the shootout made her a legend.
- Evelyn Badu’s spark: The young midfielder nearly won it outright, smashing the crossbar in the 20th minute of stoppage time.
- Coach Kim Björkegren’s take: “We showed up as underdogs, but we’re walking away with a medal and a point to prove. Ghana’s back.”
Why It Hits Home
This bronze isn’t just a shiny medal. It’s a big deal for a team that’s dealt with funding struggles and spotty support but still showed up to compete on Africa’s biggest stage. With veterans mixing it up with young guns like Evelyn Badu, this squad isn’t just playing. They’re building something special. Plus, this win locks in their spot for the next WAFCON, giving them more chances to grow.
Eyes on 2027
With a medal secured and a new crop of players getting battle-tested, the Black Queens are already thinking about the 2027 WAFCON. For now, they’ll land in Accra on Sunday, July 27, 2025, with fans ready to give them a hero’s welcome. This win? It’s not just a moment. It’s the start of something big for Ghanaian women’s football.
What do you think of the Black Queens’ run? Share your thoughts in the comments and pass this post along to celebrate Ghana’s football queens!
