South Africa rescued a crucial 2-2 draw against Ivory Coast with a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser in their second Group B match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Friday.
Hildah Magaia struck in the ninth minute of added time to complete Banyana Banyana’s recovery from two goals down and give the defending African champions their first point of the tournament at Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.
The result keeps South Africa’s hopes of reaching the quarter-finals alive, although they will need to win their final group match against Burkina Faso on Tuesday.
South Africa had been under significant pressure after losing 2-1 to Tanzania in their opening fixture. A second defeat, this time against Ivory Coast, would have left Desiree Ellis’ side on the brink of elimination.
Ellis made one change to her starting line-up for the match, with Kaylin Swart replacing Andile Dlamini in goal as South Africa sought a more assured defensive performance.
Instead, Ivory Coast made the stronger start and took the lead after 18 minutes. Grace Sery finished after being played in by Nsira Ouedraogo, giving the Ivorians an early advantage.
Sery doubled the lead eight minutes before half-time, scoring her second goal of the game in the 36th minute. Ivory Coast went into the interval with a deserved 2-0 advantage after controlling much of the opening period.
South Africa responded with greater urgency after the break and began to put their opponents under sustained pressure. Their efforts were rewarded in the 71st minute when Thembi Kgatlana pulled a goal back.
Captain Refiloe Jane provided the assist, and Kgatlana’s finish gave South Africa renewed belief as the match entered its closing stages.
Ellis’ team continued to press for an equaliser, refusing to accept a result that would have severely damaged their prospects of progressing from Group B. Their persistence eventually paid off deep into stoppage time.
Magaia completed the comeback in the ninth minute of added time, converting after an assist from Ronnel Donnelly. The late goal secured a valuable point for South Africa and denied Ivory Coast a win that had appeared likely for much of the match.
Ivory Coast remain top of Group B with four points. South Africa have moved on to one point, while their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals now rest on the outcome of their final group game.
Banyana Banyana will face Burkina Faso on Tuesday in a must-win match. Victory would keep the African champions’ hopes of advancing to the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations alive.
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