Ghana’s Black Queens have clinched the bronze medal at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a tense 4-3 penalty shootout victory over South Africa on Friday evening at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

The dramatic third-place match ended 1-1 in regulation time, setting the stage for a nail-biting shootout in which Ghana held their nerve to avenge their earlier group stage defeat to the defending champions, who had won 2-0 in their first meeting.

South Africa struck first, taking the lead in the 45th minute through Nonhlanhla Mthandi, who finished off a well-worked move just before the break.

However, Ghana drew level midway through the second half when goalkeeper Andile Dlamini turned the ball into her own net in the 68th minute under pressure from a Ghanaian attack.

With no extra time played in the third-place match, the tie went straight to penalties. Ghana converted four of their five attempts through Aba Kusi, Jennifer Cudjoe, Janet Bonsu, and Naomi Amoh, with Comfort Yeboah missing her effort.

South Africa replied with successful spot kicks from Linda Motlhalo, Bongeka Mbane, and Jermaine Seoposenwe, but crucial misses from Hildah Magaia and Sibulele Holweni sealed their fate.

The result marks Ghana’s first WAFCON podium finish since 2016, when they also defeated South Africa to win bronze. For the Banyana Banyana, it is a disappointing end to their title defence, having missed out on a second consecutive final appearance.

Ghana’s performance throughout the tournament under new coach Kim Björkegren has been widely praised, especially after failing to qualify for the last edition. Their third-place finish signals a strong resurgence for the Black Queens on the continental stage.

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Nigeria’s Super Falcons have their eyes firmly on the prize. They are preparing to face host nation Morocco in Saturday’s final of the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Assistant coach Justine Madugu declares that the nine-time champions are determined to reclaim their continental crown.

On Wednesday, as the Falcons departed Casablanca for Rabat, Madugu spoke. Rabat is the venue of the highly anticipated showdown. Madugu stressed that there will be no room for complacency. This follows their hard-earned semi-final victory over reigning champions South Africa.

“We thank God for making it to the final,” Madugu said. “I want to assure you that we are not going to relent or take our eyes off the ball. Our focus is on lifting the trophy in Rabat on Saturday.”

The Falcons secured a victory over a resilient Banyana Banyana side. They won 2-1 on Tuesday night. The game was decided by a stunning last-gasp cross-cum-shot from defender Michelle Alozie.

The result marked another tactical triumph for the Nigerian technical crew. They have tailored their approach to suit each opponent throughout the tournament.

“We knew South Africa, as Cup holders, would be difficult, but we were ready for them. I am glad that our tactics paid off. Before the tournament, I mentioned we will always assess the opposition first. Then we determine what tactics would suit us better and serve our purpose,” Madugu explained.

Nigeria will face a rapidly rising Moroccan side in the final. The match will take place at Rabat’s 60,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. It is scheduled for 9 pm local time on Saturday. The match mirrors the men’s AFCON final earlier this year, where the Super Eagles faced host nation Côte d’Ivoire, again overcoming South Africa in the semi-finals.

Led by Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, whose leadership and class have been pivotal, the Falcons boast a well-balanced team.

The firepower of Chinwendu Ihezuo adds strength. Esther Okoronkwo and Jennifer Echegini bring flair. Folasade Ijamilusi’s pace is remarkable.

Defender Ashleigh Plumptre has an attacking instinct. These attributes complement the safe hands of goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who has been named Africa’s best shot-stopper twice.

The Falcons have netted 11 goals in the tournament. They conceded just once. This was a penalty by South Africa’s Linda Motlhalo in the semi-final.

Nigeria’s dominance in women’s football stretches back to the inaugural edition in 1998, when they thrashed Morocco 8-0 In Kaduna.

Two years later, they hammered the North Africans 6-0 in South Africa. However, the tables turned three years ago. Morocco hosted the match and eliminated Nigeria on penalties in the semi-finals after a 1-1 draw.

Since then, the Lionesses have transformed into a formidable force. They have reached consecutive WAFCON finals. They have also become regulars on the world stage.

Saturday’s final is set to be a clash of legacy versus ambition. It features the most decorated team in African women’s football. They will face a host side determined to lift the trophy for the first time.

With a full house expected in Rabat, the stage is set for a spectacular finale. It underlines the growth of women’s football across the continent.

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Three years ago, Rasheedat Ajibade walked off the pitch at Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca, dejected and in tears.

 A red card for a professional foul in the semi-final against Morocco not only ended her night prematurely but also ruled her out of the third-place match, which Nigeria eventually lost 1-0 to Zambia.

 Fellow midfielder Halimatu Ayinde also saw red that night, reducing the Super Falcons to nine players for much of the second half and extra time.

Now, in July 2025, the script is different. Ajibade is not only back in Morocco but returns as captain of the Super Falcons, leading the team into Saturday’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final against the same Atlas Lionesses in Rabat.

 This time, she stands tall, confident, composed, and determined to rewrite the narrative.

From the moment Nigeria began their campaign with a 3-0 win over Tunisia, where Esther Okoronkwo claimed Woman of the Match honours, Ajibade has taken centre stage. She has since won the award in three successive matches—against Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa—and is now a frontrunner for the Player of the Tournament accolade.

At a pre-tournament CAF webinar, Ajibade offered a glimpse of the team’s mindset:
“For us, effort is everything. We’ll demonstrate what we’re capable of and continue to build on our existing strengths. We have an incredible group of talented players.

“We know it won’t be easy, but we’re committed to showing up as our best selves.”

That resilience has been evident throughout Nigeria’s campaign. Under Ajibade’s leadership, the Falcons have marched into the final with grit and purpose, fuelled by the collective mission to reclaim the WAFCON crown, what many in the camp now call Mission X, a nod to Nigeria’s pursuit of a record-extending 10th title.

Ajibade, calm yet fiercely driven, knows that past glory counts for little in the heat of a final. Still, history offers motivation.

“We know pedigree and past achievements mean little in a match of this nature, but records also serve to encourage and inspire people and groups to go all out when it matters most,” she said.

As the curtain rises on Saturday’s showdown at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Ajibade has a chance to turn the ghosts of 2022 into the glory of 2025. And this time, she’s not leaving Morocco empty-handed.

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