Banyana Banyana missed out on the bronze medal at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations after losing to Ghana on penalties.
Women's Africa Cup of Nations
Result: Ghana 1-1 South Africa (Ghana won 4-3 on penalties)
Date: 25 July 2025
Venue: Stade Larbi Zaouli
Coach Desiree Ellis made five changes from the loss to Nigeria on Tuesday, as Sibulele Holweni, Regina Mogolola, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Noxolo Cesane and Hildah Magaia were recalled to the starting line-up.
The two nations already met in the group stages a couple weeks ago, where the defending champions claimed a 2-0 victory on the day.
However, the Ghanaians came out for the first half with a lot more attacking intent and managed to trouble Banyana goalkeeper Andile Dlamini a couple occasions as Banyana struggled to get out of their own half.
Banyana were gifted the opening goal on the stroke of halftime when Ghanaian goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan gifted the ball straight to Mthandi, who needed no second invitation to fire into the empty net with a first-time finish.
The Ghanaians looked to get back on level terms after the interval, but they had to wait until the 55th minute for an opening when Chantelle Louise Boye-Hlorkah sent her header just wide of Dlamini's upright.
Ghana did get their reward just over ten minutes later when Bongeka Gamede fired into her own net while trying to clear a rebound after Alice Kusi's initial header was saved by Dlamini.
The West African side nearly snatched the win in second-half stoppage time, when Evelyn Badu was slipped through on goal but the substitute saw her powerful strike clash against the crossbar, which ultimately sent the game to penalties.
However, Ghana would go on to hold their nerve in the shoot-out to win 4-3 and claim the bronze medal.
