Ghana’s Black Queens began their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a 2-0 defeat to reigning champions South Africa on Monday, July 7.
The Banyana Banyana struck twice in the first half, taking control of the game with two goals in quick succession. The opener came in the 27th minute after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review awarded a penalty against Ghana. Linda Motlhalo made no mistake from the spot, handing South Africa the lead.
Just six minutes later, Jermaine Seoposenwe doubled the advantage with a low drive that beat Ghana’s goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan Findiib, leaving the Black Queens trailing by two goals before halftime.
Coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren’s side responded with an improved second-half display and came close to scoring on two occasions. Alice Kusi’s long-range effort rattled the crossbar, narrowly missing the target after beating South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini. Evelyn Badu also saw her header come off the woodwork, denying Ghana a deserved consolation.
Despite their spirited second-half performance, the Black Queens were unable to find the net.
Ghana will look to bounce back in their next Group B fixture when they face Mali in Berkane on Friday.
