GHANA’s Black Queens are back home from their successful 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) staged in Morocco with an accomplished operation with ‘Mission Redemption.’

After years of heartbreak and underachievement, the Ghanaian ladies finally reminded the continent of their pedigree, clinching bronze in Morocco in a dramatic revival of fortunes.

In a tournament that many saw as make-or-break for the national team, the Queens rose from the ashes of past disappointments to secure a well-deserved third-place finish, capped by a nerve-shredding penalty shootout victory over South Africa in the bronze medal match.

Written off and overlooked amid fading relevance on the continent, the talented Ghanaian ladies rose from the shadows in Morocco, silencing doubters with a spirited campaign that culminated in a dramatic penalty shootout victory over perennial rivals South Africa in the third-place playoff.

The result was more than just a return to the podium. It marked a symbolic rebirth, a coming-of-age moment for a side long starved of success but now brimming with belief, purpose, and a new sense of direction.

In last Friday’s thrilling third-place playoff at Casablanca’s Stade Larbi Zaouli, the Ghanaians held the Banyana Banyana to a 1-1 draw over 90 minutes before prevailing 4-3 on penalties. The victory marks Ghana’s fourth WAFCON bronze medal and brings with it a $350,000 prize.

Though Ghana have historically held the upper hand in third-place clashes with South Africa — winning similar encounters in 2000, 2004 and 2016 — this win carried extra significance.

South Africa entered the match as reigning champions, having lifted their first WAFCON trophy in 2022 and boasting one of the tournament’s most potent attacks. They had also beaten Ghana 2-0 in their group stage meeting, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive rematch.

However, the Black Queens refused to be intimidated. Delivering their finest performance of the tournament, Ghana’s defence — marshalled by captain Portia Boakye alongside Josephine Bonsu and Comfort Yeboah — stood firm, frustrating their opponents and showing remarkable unity.

The Queens found themselves trailing on the stroke of half-time after goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan inexplicably raced off her line, gifting South Africa's Nonhlanhla Mthandi the space to lob in a stunning opener from distance.

However, fate had other plans. In the 69th minute, South Africa’s keeper Andile Dlamini returned the favour, fumbling Alice Kusi’s header into her own net to hand Ghana a lifeline.

From then on, it was end-to-end football. The Queens pressed for a winner, and Evelyn Badu nearly delivered in injury time, only to be denied by the crossbar in what would have been a fitting match-winner.

Despite some missed chances in open play, Ghana remained composed when it mattered most, with Alice Kusi putting up a Player-of-the-Match performance. Four successful penalties from Alice Kusi, Josephine Bonsu, Jennifer Cudjoe and Nancy Amoh, combined with two crucial saves from goalkeeper Konlan, sealed the victory, overcoming the earlier miss by Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah.

Boye-Hlorkah, a breakout star of the tournament, was rewarded with a Player of the Match award, joining teammates Jennifer Cudjoe, Grace Asantewaa and Alice Kusi, who had also received similar accolades.

Swedish head coach Kim Lars Björkegren hailed the result as a major step forward.

“It’s huge. We’re heading in the right direction,” he said after the win. “Twenty of our 24 players were making their WAFCON debuts. We must be patient and continue working hard.”

Björkegren’s ambitions stretch beyond Morocco. The team’s Mission Volta aims to restore Ghana’s position as a continental powerhouse, regularly winning medals and returning to the Women’s World Cup stage — an event they last qualified for in 2007.

Next on the agenda is qualification for the 2026 WAFCON, with qualifiers kicking off in October against Egypt. The ultimate goal is to secure one of Africa’s four automatic spots at the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

Ghana’s tournament journey was a story of resilience: recovering from an opening 0-2 defeat to South Africa, drawing 1-1 with Mali, thrashing Tanzania 4-1, and enduring two intense 120-minute knockout matches — edging Algeria on penalties before falling narrowly to Morocco in the semis.

Against South Africa in the bronze medal match, the Queens delivered their most assured performance, demonstrating that with time, preparation, and unity, they can compete with the continent’s best.

They finish among Africa’s top four, alongside Nigeria, who secured a record 10th WAFCON title with a thrilling 3-2 comeback win over hosts Morocco in the final, and Morocco, who claimed silver.