Banyana Banyana's quest to bring home a medal from the Women's Africa Cup of Nations came to a gut-wrenching end on Friday night as they suffered a dramatic penalty shootout loss to Ghana in Casablanca, Cape town Etc reports.
In a match that swung with tension and passion, South Africa drew first blood just before the break through Nonhlanhla Mthandi. But the lead didn't last, as Ghana's Alice Kusi found the equaliser in the 68th minute, forcing the bronze medal showdown into a shootout.
Under the bright lights of Larbi Zaouli Stadium, both goalkeepers, Andile Dlamini and Ghana's Cynthia Konlan, put on a masterclass between the posts. But when it came down to nerves and precision, Ghana edged it 4-3 in the shootout, breaking South African hearts.
Linda Motlhalo, Bambanani Mbane and Jermaine Seoposenwe all converted from the spot, but misses from Sibulele Holweni and Hildah Magaia proved costly. Despite Dlamini's save against Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, the Black Queens held their nerve, with successful penalties from Kusi, Josephine Bonsu, Jennifer Cudjoe and Nancy Amoh.
For Seoposenwe, the night marked an emotional farewell from international football. After years of loyal service to the national team, her final appearance ended without the medal she had dreamed of.