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Banyana Banyana, South Africa’s golden girls, showed incredible heart and determination, but narrowly lost 4-3 on penalties to Ghana’s Black Queens in the Women’s Africa Cup bronze medal match at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca on 25 July 2025.
The third-place playoff between Banyana Banyana and the Black Queens was tightly contested. The game ended 1 1 after 90 minutes. Nonhlanhla Mthandi was the first goal scorer, giving Banyana Banyana the lead with a great finish just before halftime. South African fans celebrated, hoping the team would secure the bronze medal.
Ghana’s Black Queens came out fighting in the second half. Alice Kusi equalized for Ghana in the 67th minute, making it 1-1 and turning the match into a real battle. Both teams created chances, but with top saves from goalkeeper Andile Dlamini for South Africa and goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan for Ghana, neither side could score again in regulation time.
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With the match still tied, the bronze medal would be decided by a penalty shootout. Banyana’s Linda Motlhalo, Bambanani Mbane, and Jermaine Seoposenwe scored their penalties. However, Sibulele Holweni and Hildah Magaia were unlucky to miss. Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini made a brilliant save to stop Chantelle Boye Hlorkah, but Ghana still managed to win the shootout 4-3, defeating South Africa and taking the bronze.
The shootout was especially emotional as veteran striker Jermaine Seoposenwe scored her final goal for Banyana Banyana, marking her farewell to international football after a proud career.
Even though they didn’t win a medal, Banyana Banyana inspired a generation during this Women’s Africa Cup tournament. Their journey from the group stage to the bronze medal match was full of passion, unity, and an unbreakable spirit. While fans look forward to the future and the possible changes ahead, one thing remains clear: Banyana Banyana remain a beacon of pride for South Africa.
