Banyana Banyana scored deep into added time to secure a 2-2 draw with Ivory Coast in Casablanca on Friday, leaving their hopes of reaching the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage uncertain.
Experienced striker Hildah Magaia struck from close range in the ninth minute of stoppage time to rescue a point for South Africa after they had fallen two goals behind.
The result keeps Banyana Banyana in contention, although their prospects will be influenced by the outcome of the other Group B fixture between Tanzania and Burkina Faso, which was played later on Friday.
South Africa will complete their group-stage campaign against Burkina Faso on Tuesday, knowing that they may need a positive result to advance.
Coach Desiree Ellis made three changes to the side that suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat by Tanzania in their opening match on Monday.
Kaylin Swart replaced Andile Dlamini in goal, while Fikile Magama came into the defence in place of Lebohang Ramalepe. Nthabiseng Majiya was also selected, with Magaia initially dropping to the bench.
The changes did not prevent South Africa from being punished during a difficult first half. Ivory Coast forward Grace Sery scored twice, finding the net in the 18th and 36th minutes as her side established a commanding lead.
Banyana Banyana struggled to settle before the interval but responded with greater urgency after the break. Their comeback was led by star striker Thembi Kgatlana, who reduced the deficit after 84 minutes with a superb curling finish.
South Africa then appeared to have scored again in the 94th minute when Magaia found the net, but the effort was disallowed.
Magaia was undeterred, however, and eventually completed the comeback a few minutes later by converting from close range. Her late finish earned South Africa a valuable point, but the draw did not settle whether they will progress from Group B.
The late kick-off between Tanzania and Burkina Faso could have a decisive effect on the standings before Banyana Banyana return to action on Tuesday.
South Africa entered the match under pressure after Tanzania’s opening-game victory, and Ivory Coast’s two first-half goals appeared to leave Ellis’ side facing a second successive defeat.
Instead, Kgatlana’s individual quality and Magaia’s persistence changed the contest in the closing stages. The result gives Banyana Banyana a chance to remain in the competition, although their route to the knockout phase remains dependent on the final group calculations.
