BY Nadia Ntiamoah
Ghana’s women’s national football team, the Black Queens, has etched their names into history book by securing a bronze medal at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The team displayed remarkable resilience and determination throughout the tournament, culminating in a thrilling 4-3 penalty shootout victory over defending champions South Africa.
The Road to Bronze
The Black Queens’ journey to the podium was marked by a dramatic comeback against South Africa.
Trailing 1-0 at halftime, Ghana leveled the score in the 68th minute when South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini inadvertently scored an own goal, deflecting a header from Alice Kusi into her own net.
The match ended 1-1 in regulation time, sending the game to penalties.
Penalty Shootout Thriller
In the penalty shootout, Ghana’s goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan emerged as the hero, making two crucial saves to deny Sibulele Holweni and Hildah Magaia.
Ghana successfully converted four of their five penalty kicks, with Alice Kusi, Josephine Bonsu, Jennifer Cudjoe, and Nancy Amoh scoring.
Although Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah missed her attempt, Konlan’s brilliance ensured it didn’t affect the outcome.
Historic Achievement
This bronze medal marks Ghana’s second third-place finish at WAFCON, echoing their success in 2016.
The achievement is a testament to the team’s unwavering dedication, resilience, and teamwork.
The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, praised the team’s outstanding performance, highlighting their dramatic victory over South Africa as a “shining example of Ghanaian football at its finest”.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The Black Queens’ success is expected to inspire young girls and women across Ghana to pursue football and strive for excellence on the international stage.
