South 2-2 Côte d'Ivoire
South Africa refused to say goodbye to the WAFCON 2026. Just when the Banyana Banyana appeared to be heading toward elimination, a stoppage-time goal secured a dramatic 2-2 draw against Côte d'Ivoire in Casablanca. The result keeps South Africa's hopes alive heading into the final group-stage match, while the Ivorians missed the chance to secure an early spot in the quarterfinals.
Côte d'Ivoire Struck With Ruthless Efficiency
The match began with South Africa controlling possession but struggling to create clear chances against the disciplined defense of Côte d'Ivoire.
The South Africans dominated the ball during the opening stages, but their attacks ended with harmless crosses and long-range efforts that failed to trouble the Ivorian goalkeeper. Meanwhile, every counterattack launched by Côte d'Ivoire looked dangerous thanks to the pace of its forwards.
The first warning came in the 15th minute when N'Sira Safi Ouédraogo found space on the wing, cut inside, and fired over the crossbar of Kaylin Swart's goal.
Moments later came the breakthrough.
A perfectly executed counterattack saw N'Sira Safi Ouédraogo drive forward before delivering an excellent through ball to Aïcha Fofana, who calmly finished with a delicate first-time touch beyond the advancing Kaylin Swart to make it 1-0.
The Banyana Banyana attempted to respond through set pieces and crosses into the box, but the Ivorian defense remained composed and comfortably dealt with every delivery.
Although South Africa continued to dominate possession, Côte d'Ivoire looked far more dangerous every time it attacked.
Before halftime, the same partnership struck again. N'Sira Safi Ouédraogo split the defense with another perfectly weighted pass, sending Aïcha Fofana through on goal. The forward once again showed outstanding composure, lifting the ball past Swart to complete her brace and double Côte d'Ivoire's advantage.
The Ivorians' clinical finishing stood in sharp contrast to South Africa's lack of efficiency in front of goal.
The Banyana Banyana Never Gave Up
Facing elimination, South Africa came out aggressively after the break determined to change the story.
Coach Desiree Ellis pushed her team higher up the field, but for much of the second half, the attacks lacked precision while Côte d'Ivoire appeared comfortable protecting its lead and waiting for another counterattacking opportunity.
Everything changed in the 71st minute.
Tigres UANL forward Thembi Kgatlana received the ball just outside the penalty area, cut onto her stronger foot, and unleashed a powerful strike that gave the Ivorian goalkeeper no chance, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
That goal completely transformed the match.
The Banyana Banyana threw numbers forward, pressed relentlessly, and pinned Côte d'Ivoire deep inside its own half as the pressure continued to build.
A Dramatic Finish
The tension reached its peak during stoppage time.
In the 93rd minute, Hilda Magaia thought she had equalized for South Africa, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
Instead of losing hope, the South Africans continued attacking.
Their reward finally arrived in the 98th minute. After a flick-on inside the penalty area, Hilda Magaia met the ball with a brilliant volley that found the back of the net, sparking wild celebrations on the South African bench.
This time, the goal stood.
The final whistle confirmed a draw that felt like a victory for South Africa, which rescued a crucial point after appearing destined for elimination.
With the result, the Banyana Banyana move to one point and keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive, although they will need a victory over Burkina Faso in the final Group B match.
Meanwhile, Côte d'Ivoire moved to four points but missed a golden opportunity to secure its place in the quarterfinals, leaving its qualification to be decided in the final round of the group stage.
