Banyana Banyana will return home empty-handed after falling 4-3 to Ghana's Black Queens in the penalty shootout on Friday night, following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The Desiree Ellis-led team came into the match hoping to win and go home with bronze after failing to meet their initial target of defending their crown. They were undone by Nigeria in the semi-final.
The Black Queens were aiming at avenging the 2-0 loss suffered in the initial Group C game. Despite their great showing in the last four hurdle, the West African nation was eliminated by Morocco through the post-match penalties.
Mthandi gifted WAFCON goal
The former champions started the game quite well, putting the Black Queens under early pressure, but Ghana did well to clear the danger, ensuring the ball is played on safer areas.
The Black Queens had the best chance of the game when a good cross from the left by Alice Kusi found the advancing Doris Boaduwaa in the 12-yard area. However, the latter skyrocketed her effort with the goal at his mercy.
Ghana had another opportunity in the 22nd minute when Kusi was left unmarked in the area, but she failed to guide home a well-delivered corner ball. They created good chnaces but South Africa dominated the proceedings.
A minute to the break, Ghana custodian Cynthia Konlan failed to clear a backpass, losing the ball just outside the 18-yard area, and Nonhlanhla Mthandi guided the ball into an empty net to give Banyana Banyana a half-time lead.
Ghana rewarded for their effort
In the 55th minute, the Black Stars had an opportunity to level up matters when Princella Adubea picked fellow substitute Evelyn Badu, but the latter failed to hit the target with Andile Dlamini beaten.
Another chance went begging in the 65th minute, once again Badu getting on the ball ahead of the defenders. Despite making a good contact with the ball thanks to a good corner kick, she just couldn't find the target.
Two minutes later, they were not to be denied; a cross from Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah found Alice Kusi in a good area, and she managed to beat Dlamini, and in her bid to clear the ball, Bongeka Gamede hit the roof of her own net to make it 1-1.
In the stoppages, the woodwork denied Badu what could have been a winner, following defensive lapses.
Ghana won the shootout 4-3 to finish third in the biennial competition as Banyana Banyana go home to start planning for the next assignment.
