Ghana’s Black Queens capped off their 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a historic third-place finish after holding South Africa’s Banyana Banyana to a 1–1 draw in the bronze medal playoff in Casablanca on Friday, July 25. The result, coupled with Ghana’s superior tournament standing, ensured the team claimed the bronze medal — their best performance in nearly a decade.
How the Game Unfolded
South Africa, the defending champions, started brightly and took the lead just before halftime when Nonhlanhla Mthandi slotted home following a defensive lapse in Ghana’s backline.
The Black Queens, however, responded with determination after the break. Their persistence paid off in the 68th minute when South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini mishandled a clearance, resulting in an own goal that brought Ghana level.
Despite late attempts from both sides to find a winner, the score remained tied at full time, securing Ghana’s spot on the podium.
What This Means for Ghana
The bronze medal marks a major milestone for the Black Queens, who last featured prominently at WAFCON in 2018. Under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Kim Lars Björkegren, Ghana displayed resilience and tactical growth throughout the tournament, overcoming early setbacks to finish strong.
“This team has shown remarkable character. Winning bronze is a significant achievement and a foundation for future success,” Björkegren said after the match.
The Road Ahead
With the tournament now concluded, Ghana’s focus will shift to upcoming Olympic qualifiers and the next WAFCON cycle. Coach Björkegren is expected to build on this success by strengthening the team’s structure and introducing new tactical dimensions to make Ghana a consistent contender on the continent.
Source: TheDotNews
