WAFCON: Banyana Snatch Late Draw Against Ivory Coast But Knockout Hopes Remain Slim
by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath
Magaia Strike Helps South Africa Salvage Valuable Point in Group B
South Africa rescued a dramatic point against Ivory Coast with a stoppage-time equaliser in the 99th minute of their Group B clash last night in Casablanca, just five minutes after seeing what looked to be the winner ruled out for offside.
The thrilling 2-2 draw, which also confirmed our WAFCON predictions, was a frustrating outcome for both sides, but it ensured that Banyana Banyana remained in the hunt for qualification to the knockout stage of the tournament, while it also booked The Lady Elephants' spot in the next round.
After making a goalkeeping change following Monday’s defeat, Desiree Ellis handed Kaylin Swart a start in place of Andile Dlamini. However, Banyana endured a difficult first half as Grace Gery struck twice to give Ivory Coast a commanding 2-0 lead heading into the halftime break.
Ellis responded with attacking substitutions after the hour mark, and South Africa’s resurgence soon followed!
Thembi Kgatlana ignited the comeback with a superb strike in the 71st minute before substitute Ronnel Donnelly played a key role deep into stoppage time, setting up Hildah Magaia to volley home a dramatic 99th-minute equaliser to secure a valuable point.
Standings Heading into Final Match of WAFCON Group B
Following last night’s results, Ivory Coast are now guaranteed a spot in the knockout stage of the 2026 WAFCON. For South Africa to progress, they need to beat Burkina Faso in their final match and need The Lady Elephants to defeat Tanzania.
WAFCON Group B
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ivory Coast | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| 2 | Burkina Faso | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 5 | −2 | 3 |
| 3 | Tanzania | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 4 | South Africa | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | −1 | 1 |
