Banyana Banyana's journey ends in heartbreak as they lose to Ghana in Wafcon play-off

Banyana Banyana will return from the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with their tails between their legs after finishing fourth in Morocco.

Banyana lost 4-3 to Ghana on penalties in the third/fourth place play-off after the match had ended 1-1 in regulation time at Stade El Arbi Zaouli on Friday night.

Banyana were not at their best at the event as they relinquished their title after their triumph in the same country, Morocco, three years ago.

A bronze medal would have served as a consolation for Banyana, dedication for Gabriela Salgado, who’s injured, and farewell gesture for Jermaine Seoposenwe who is retiring from international football. But it wasn’t to be.

Banyana had come into this match high on confidence, despite losing 2-1 to Nigeria in the semi-final, having beaten Ghana 2-0 in the opening.

As such, coach Desiree Ellis had made five changes to the team that lost to the Super Falcons, resting some players and giving others a chance. 

Nonhlanhla Mthandi, who was making her first start in the event, grabbed her opportunity with both hands, handing Banyana the lead on the stroke of half-time.

Goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan failed to clear the ball in time, succumbing to the pressure piled by Seoposenwe, as the loose ball fell for Mthandi, who slotted into an empty net.

Ghana returned with vigour in the second half, and they were rewarded with an own goal from Bongeka Gamede whose goal line clearance hit the roof of her own net.

Banyana had a nervy end to the game as they were saved from the jaws of defeat in regulation time by the upright in stoppage time after a mistake in defence.

Ghana, though, held their nerves in the shootout, slotting home four of their five penalties, while Banyana proved to be sluggish, missing two penalties.