Banyana Banyana Lose WAFCON Bronze to Ghana as Seoposenwe Retires After Final Match
- Banyana Banyana were denied a bronze medal after a 4-3 penalty shootout loss to Ghana in the WAFCON third-place play-off
- Jermaine Seoposenwe, in her 110th and final appearance for South Africa, bowed out without the fairytale ending she had hoped for
- The Black Queens avenged their opening-match defeat, dominating large spells and securing their fourth WAFCON bronze
Banyana Banyana were denied a bronze medal after falling to the Black Queens of Ghana in a 4-3 penalty shootout. The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations third-place play-off ended 1-1 after regulation time at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca on Friday.
South Africa, which had beaten Ghana in the tournament opener, failed to replicate that result as the West Africans claimed revenge and secured their fourth WAFCON bronze.
Source: Twitter
Ghana dominated the first half and came close to scoring several times. However, their missed chances were punished when Jermaine Seoposenwe, in her final appearance, set up Nonhlanhla Mthandi to tap in the opener.
In the second half, Ghana continued pressing and eventually equalised in the 68th minute through Alice Kusi’s powerful header, which beat goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.
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Seoposenwe nearly set up a late winner when she found defender Bambanani Mbane, but her header drifted just wide.
The match went straight to penalties. It wasn’t unfamiliar territory for South Africa, who had survived a shootout against Senegal in the quarterfinals with Dlamini starring.
She made another save in this shootout, but it wasn't enough after veteran Hilda Magaia’s weak attempt was saved. Nancy Amoh then converted the decisive penalty, handing Ghana third place.
Source: Twitter
No fairytale ending for retiring Seoposenwe
Seoposenwe, playing her 110th and final match for South Africa, could not script a fairytale ending as the Ghanaians left no room for sentimentality.
She was part of the golden Banyana Banyana squad that lifted the WAFCON title in 2022, alongside Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, Lebohang Ramalepe, Janine van Wyk, Bambanani Mbane, Noko Matlou, Refiloe Jane, Linda Motlhalo, Thembi Kgatlana, and Hildah Magaia.
Before the match, she reflected on her journey and the decision to retire:
“It is weird in a way, but the decision was for my well-being, and I stand by it. Football has meant everything to me, it gave me everything I have today. The passion and love for the game is why we do it. Over the years, Banyana has given me the platform to showcase my abilities, and it took me to places around the world I never imagined. I owe football everything.
It has been a great learning curve, teaching me lessons both on and off the field. I appreciate what the national team has done for me and what football has given me. I made the decision before the tournament, and coming here, I’ve been settled and calm.”
Why Banyana might not retain the title
Speaking to Briefly News in an exclusive chat, Moses Mbogo explained why it might be difficult for South Africa to retain the WAFCON title this year despite being one of the favourites.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria and the host, Morocco, are also expected to pose serious challenge for Ellis' side.
Mbogo pointed out Kgatlana's absence as one of the things that could make their title defence difficult.
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Source: Briefly News
