WAFCON: Alice Kusi elated Ghana didn’t go home empty handed

Ghana women’s national team midfield maestro Alice Kusi has discussed her happiness to end the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a medal in Morocco.

The Black Queens held their nerves in a dramatic penalty shootout to defeat former African champions South Africa and claim the bronze medal in Casablanca on Friday. After a 1-1 draw in regulation time, Ghana triumphed 4-3 in the shootout at Stade Larbi Zaouli to seal third place in the tournament.

Cynthia Konlan proved to be Ghana’s heroine, saving crucial spot-kicks from Hildah Magaia and Sibulele Holweni to tilt the balance in her side’s favour. Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah had earlier seen her effort saved by South Africa’s Dlamini, but Ghana recovered thanks to composed finishes from Alice Kusi, Josephine Bonsu, Jennifer Cudjoe, and Nancy Amoh.

Jermaine Seoposenwe and Linda Motlhalo converted for South Africa but it was not enough to hand them a medal as they left empty handed.

“Congratulations to me and the entire team. Being the player of the match means a lot to me,” Kusi, who was named woman of the match, told CAFOnline.com. “We won the bronze medal for ourselves and the nation. I am happy we didn’t go home empty handed… To be able to go home with a medal is great. I am really excited.

Kusi, who plays for Al-Ahli Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, continued: “I thank the nation for their support. I know during the group stage it was really hard for us… We were not just here to participate but at least able to make an impact. That is the dream and I am really excited for that.”

On playing in Saudi Arabia, she said: “I know I am playing in the Saudi League. There is so much difference from the leagues I played before but they are trying to progress in women’s football.

“The field is perfect… You could see that we have a lot of Saudi league players in this tournament. This means the competition over there is strong… For the years ahead, the league in Saudi will be amazing.”