Coach Yussif Basigi’s ladies got themselves a consolation at the tournament after a slim win on Friday
Ghana finished the 2016 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations as the third best side following a 1-0 victory over South Africa on Friday.
Linda Eshun’s 48th minute strike in the third place playoff handed the Black Queens bronze at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaounde.
The introduction of goalkeeper Patricia Mantey, midfielder Mary Essiful and US-based striker Florence Dadson for their first ever starts of the tournament was the major highlight of coach Yussif Basigi’s starting XI.
South Africa coach Desiree Ellis named three Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies players – goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, Andisiwe Mgcoyi and Refiloe Jane – in her starting set-up, while there was also a place for the US-based Germaine Seoposenwe.
Banyana Banyana had the chance to open the scoring in the 22nd minute but Jane’s header flew over the bar.
The 24-year-old had an opportunity to redeem herself 10 minutes later but was, this time, denied by goalkeeper Mantey’s timely save.
At the other end, Eshun put Ghana in front three minutes after recess, heading home from a corner for what eventually became the separating factor.
The Black Queens, thus, claim a medal for the first time since a second-place finish at the 2006 edition.
Nigeria will face hosts Cameroon in the grand final on Saturday.
Ghana will host the 2018 tournament where they will continue the quest for a first ever gold.
Source : Goal
