After 90 minutes of tightly contested football, the teams were deadlocked at 1-1. Nonhlanhla Mthandi gave South Africa the lead on the stroke of half-time with a clinical finish, but Ghana hit back in the 68th minute through Alice Kusi to set up a tense finish.

Jermaine Seoposenwe. Photo: SAFA

With no extra-time in the playoff, the match went straight to penalties to decide the third-place winner. Linda Motlhalo, Bambanani Mbane and Jermaine Seoposenwe all slotted their spot-kicks for South Africa, but Sibulele Holweni and Hildah Magaia were unable to convert.

Ghana, on the other hand, held their nerve with successful conversions from Kusi, Josephine Bonsu, Jennifer Cudjoe and Nancy Amoh. Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah’s effort was saved by Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.

Both goalkeepers Dlamini and Ghana’s Cynthia Konlan were in top form during the shootout, pulling off crucial saves. However, it was the Black Queens who ultimately held their composure to clinch the bronze medal.

The defeat marked an emotional end to Jermaine Seoposenwe’s illustrious international career. The veteran striker had hoped to bow out with a medal in her 110th and final appearance for the national team, but it wasn’t to be.

On Saturday at 21:00 the host Morocco will face Nigeria in the final.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg