Bayana Bayana captain Refiloe Jane has expressed deep disappointment after South Africa finished fourth at the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), following a penalty shootout loss to Ghana in the third-place match.
The 2022 champions were held to a 1-1 draw in regulation time on Friday before falling 4-3 in the shootout. The result meant South Africa missed out on a podium finish for the first time in three consecutive editions, having secured silver in 2018 and gold in 2022.
“Obviously, we are disappointed to go home empty-handed,” Jane said in a statement published on the South African Football Association’s (SAFA) official website. “Throughout the tournament, it wasn’t easy for the players. There were a lot of challenges on and off the pitch, but we tried to put in a great performance and do our best. Our main objective was to retain the trophy.”
Looking ahead, Jane called for renewed focus as the team prepares for upcoming competitions. “There’s still a lot of work to be done, and we’re hoping that in the next WAFCON, which is also crucial as a World Cup qualifying tournament, we can do better. But first, we must focus on the qualifiers,” she added.
The disappointing finish closes a difficult campaign for Desiree Ellis’ side, who entered the tournament as favourites but failed to replicate their 2022 triumph.
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