South Africa scored deep into stoppage time to earn a dramatic 2-2 draw against Ivory Coast in their Group B match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco on Friday, keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.
Hildah Magaia struck in the ninth minute of added time after connecting with a headed pass from Ronnel Donnelly to beat goalkeeper Aramatou Diakite and rescue a point for the defending champions.
Ivory Coast had looked set for victory after 18-year-old Grace Sery scored twice in the first half. Sery found the net in the 18th and 36th minutes, both times from assists by fellow teenager N’Sira Ouedraogo, giving the Ivorians a 2-0 lead at the break.
South Africa responded strongly after the restart, with Thembi Kgatlana reducing the deficit in the 71st minute after cutting inside defender Aicha Fofana before firing past Diakite.
Magaia thought she had equalised in stoppage time, but her effort was ruled out for offside. Moments later, she made no mistake, finishing clinically to secure a crucial draw.
The result leaves Ivory Coast top of Group B with four points, while Tanzania have three points, South Africa one and Burkina Faso remain without a point.
Tanzania were due to face Burkina Faso later on Friday, with victory enough to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
In the final round of group matches on Tuesday, Ivory Coast will take on Tanzania, while South Africa must defeat Burkina Faso to keep alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stage and qualifying for a second consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Brazil will host the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the four WAFCON semi-finalists earning automatic qualification. The losing quarter-finalists will also have another opportunity to qualify through playoff competitions.
