In a match brimming with tension, heart, and sheer willpower, Ghana’s Black Queens edged out South Africa’s Banyana Banyana to clinch third place in the Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) after a gripping 2-1 victory, sealed through a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
The clash, which saw two of Africa’s football powerhouses face off, delivered a spectacle worthy of the tournament’s climax. Tanzanian fans watching the match were treated to high-octane women’s football that emphasized not just skill but also African pride and resilience.
📝 Match Summary
First Half:
- South Africa struck first, thanks to Noxolo Mthandi‘s 45th-minute goal, giving Banyana Banyana a deserved 1-0 lead at halftime.
Second Half:
- Ghana returned with full force and purpose. The game turned in the 68th minute when Andile Dlamini unfortunately scored an own goal, leveling the match at 1-1.
- Tactical changes from both sides defined the rest of the second half, but with no further goals, penalties would decide the fate of the bronze medal.
🎯 Penalty Shootout Drama
| Team | Penalty 1 | Penalty 2 | Penalty 3 | Penalty 4 | Penalty 5 |
| South Africa | ✅ Motlhalo | ✅ Mbane | ❌ Holweni | ❌ Magaia | ✅ Seoposenwe |
| Ghana | ❌ Boye-Hlorkah | ✅ Kusi | ✅ Bonsu Kyerewaa | ✅ Cudjoe | ✅ Amoh |
With Ghana converting four of their five penalties and South Africa missing two, the Black Queens walked away victorious with a 4-3 shootout win. Their mental strength and sharpness under pressure were evident and admirable.
🔄 Key Substitutions and Tactical Impact
- Ghana made four impactful changes right at the restart, with Adubea, Badu, Achiaa, and Amoh bringing renewed energy and stability.
- South Africa responded with strategic substitutions of their own, but the Ghanaian defense held strong.
- Goalkeeper Dlamini was unfortunately at the center of the own goal, a moment that shifted the game’s momentum.
🎉 What’s Next for Ghana and South Africa?
Ghana secured their AWCON bronze in style, sending a strong message ahead of upcoming qualifiers for global tournaments. South Africa, although disappointed, remains a force in African football and will bounce back with valuable lessons learned.
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📈 Final Thoughts
The 2025 AWCON 3rd place playoff between Ghana and South Africa was more than a match – it was a testament to the rising quality and competitiveness of African women’s football. With Ghana triumphing under immense pressure, fans across the continent, including here in Tanzania, were treated to a footballing masterclass that will be remembered for years.
Keep supporting African football. Keep believing in our women. And don’t forget to place your winning predictions on Bangbet.com.
