BREAKING NEWS: Ghana, South Africa fight for bronze medal

File photo of South African and Ghanaian women teams slugging it out at previous WAFCON

 Ghana’s Black Queens and dethroned champions South Africa will lock horns for pride in the third-place match at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca on Friday (today).

South Africa were beaten 2-1 by nine-time champions Nigeria in the first semi-final, before Ghana missed out on a place in the final following a heartbreaking 4-2 loss via penalties to hosts Morocco, after scores had remained 1-1 at the end of extra time.

The match presents both sides with the opportunity to finish on the podium, which would be a crowning moment for all their efforts throughout the competition. Both countries have been talking tough ahead of the eagerly anticipated match, with neither side treating the fixture lightly.

Head coach of the Black Queens, Kim Lars Bjorkegren, says his side is determined to end their WAFCON campaign on a high when they take on the Banyana Banyana in the third-place playoff.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of Friday’s clash, Bjorkegren acknowledged the disappointment of missing the final but said the team has regrouped and is ready for the challenge.

The Swedish tactician said, “We had a group of coaches, staff members, and players who were really disappointed, but we’re back on track again and focused on the next game. We want to do the best we can to win it.”

South Africa gaffer Desiree Ellis also revealed that her team will give the match all it takes in their quest not to return from Morocco empty-handed.