Banyana Banyana Stages a Dramatic Comeback Against Ivory Coast
Banyana Banyana salvaged a crucial point in their match against Ivory Coast, thanks to a late equalizer from Hildah Magaia, keeping South Africa’s hopes alive in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The game, held in Casablanca, concluded with a 2-2 draw after South Africa battled back from a two-goal deficit.
Match Overview
Dominating possession early on, Banyana Banyana found themselves trailing when Ivory Coast took the lead in the 18th minute. N’Sira Ouédraogo showcased her speed with a breakaway, setting up the 18-year-old Grace Sery, who fired a shot from outside the box, finding the net past goalkeeper Kaylin Swart.
Ivory Coast Extends Their Lead
Things worsened for South Africa when the Ivorians doubled their advantage in the 36th minute, as Ouédraogo once again assisted Sery. This time, Swart prematurely rushed off her line, allowing Sery to elegantly chip the ball over her into the goal.
Second Half Shift
Trailing 2-0 at halftime, Banyana Banyana returned to the pitch with renewed vigor. Thembi Kgatlana tried to push South Africa back into the game but had her effort thwarted by Ivory Coast’s goalkeeper Aramatou Diakité. However, hope sparked for South Africa following a brilliant solo effort by Kgatlana, who dribbled in from the left before scoring with a fierce shot into the top corner.
A Close Call for South Africa
Karabo Dhlamini had an opportunity from a free-kick, but her 35-yard attempt lacked the necessary power, missing the mark. Shortly thereafter, Hildah Magaia seemed to have equalized, only to see her goal disallowed for offside after a VAR review. Nonetheless, she redeemed herself just minutes later, exploiting a lapse in the Ivory Coast defense to score from close range.
Implications of the Draw
This draw is particularly significant as it gives Banyana Banyana a fighting chance to progress to the quarter-finals ahead of their final pool match against Burkina Faso, scheduled for Tuesday. A loss in this encounter would likely have meant elimination and possibly marked the end of coach Desiree Ellis’s tenure with the team, jeopardizing their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026
The 2026 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is underway in Morocco from July 26 to August 16, with 16 elite national teams competing across various venues in Rabat and Casablanca. The competition is structured into groups of four, culminating in knockout rounds that begin on August 8.
