Banyana Banyana missed out on third place at the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after going down 4-3 on penalties to Ghana on Friday evening.
There were five changes for Banyana from the loss to Nigeria as Bongeka Gamede, Sibulele Holweni, Regina Mogolola, Nonhlanhla Mthandi and Hildah Magaia were recalled.
Banyana started slow and almost fell behind in the opening minutes through a first-time effort from the centre of the area by Doris Boaduwaa, but it went over the crossbar.
The Black Queens still pushed for the opener and came close again later on when Jennifer Cudjoe shaved the upright with a glancing header from the box.
However, Banyana contained the periods of pressure and took the lead a minute to halftime as Mthandi tucked into an empty net following a goalkeeping error from Cynthia Konlan.
Banyana coach Desiree Ellis made two changes ahead of the second period, with Refiloe Jane coming on for Mogolola while Kgalebane Mohlakoana replaced Mthandi.
Jane looked to hit the ground running a minute in the resumption with a telling shot from a clever angle, but ended up missing the intended target.
The Black Queens were level midway in the second half when defender Bongeka Gamede helped a close-range shot from Alice Kusi into the net.
Banyana attempted to regain the lead straight thereafter with Magaia coming close outside the area, but the defence managed to clear their lines.
The Black Queens could’ve snatched the winner in the last minute through a one-on-one from Evelyn Badu, who was denied by the woodwork.
In the penalty shoot-out, Ghana goalkeeper Konlan proved to be the hero by saving two spot-kicks before Nancy Amoh netted the winning kick to hand the Black Queens the bronze medal.