Banyana Banyana bowed out of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a 4–3 penalty shootout defeat to Ghana in the bronze-medal match on Friday, 25 July, in Casablanca, Morocco.
South Africa struck first just before halftime when Nonhlanhla Mthandi scored with a well-placed finish. Ghana equalised in the 67th minute as Alice Kusi’s header deflected off goalkeeper Andile Dlamini and into the net.
With the match tied at 1–1 after regulation time, it went straight to penalties. Ghana goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan produced two vital saves from Hildah Magaia and Sibulele Holweni. Nancy Amoh then converted the decisive spot-kick to seal the Black Queens’ win and secure bronze.
The result leaves Banyana without a medal, three years after lifting the WAFCON title in 2022. Veteran striker Jermaine Seoposenwe, who calmly converted her penalty, made her final international appearance, ending her career on 110 caps.
Coach Desiree Ellis now faces a rebuild as several senior players retire. Young talents such as Holweni and Noxolo Cesane are expected to lead the next generation.
For Ghana, this victory marks their best WAFCON finish since 2016 and strengthens their long-standing rivalry with South Africa.
