SOUTH AFRICA SNATCH A DRAW AGAINST IVORY COAST AT WAFCON AFTER SCORING IN THE 99TH MINUTE
In a remarkable turn of events, South Africa managed to secure a dramatic draw against Côte d’Ivoire with a goal scored in the dying moments of the match, specifically in the 99th minute. This thrilling conclusion came after South Africa had an earlier goal disallowed for offside just five minutes prior. The match ended with a scoreline of 2-2, a result that did not favor Reynald Pedros’s squad but kept both teams alive in the hunt for the next stages of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The first half was marked by intense competition in midfield, with chances evenly distributed between both teams. An early effort from South Africa saw Bambanani Mbane make a volley following a corner, but it was a weak attempt that went directly to Diakité. On the opposite end, Rebecca Elloh attempted a low angled strike from the left, which failed to find the target. It was Côte d’Ivoire who struck first in a move emblematic of their “Right to Dream” academy, where Nsira Ouedraogo set up Grace Sery. Showing great composure, Sery expertly evaded the South African defense and scored with a precise first-time finish, making it 1-0.
South Africa rallied in response, with Bongeka Gamede rising to meet a corner with a header that cleared the bar. Moments later, Ivory Coast nearly doubled their advantage, but a close header from Ines Konan went wide. Ouedraogo also tested the South African goalkeeper with a long-range free-kick, but Kaylin Swart managed to make the save. Just 15 minutes into the game, the Ivorian duo struck again as Ouedraogo, using a finesse footwork, lobbed the ball to Sery, who took the opportunity to slide the ball past the advancing keeper, resulting in a 2-0 lead.
As the first half wound down, Mbane made a bold attempt from 35 yards, but it posed no threat to Diakité. The best opportunity for South Africa before halftime came when Linda Motlhalo’s through ball found Thembi Kgatlana, but her shot was well blocked by Diakité. The final moments of the first half nearly saw Côte d’Ivoire add to their tally, as Rosemonde Kouassi broke past the South African defensive line, but Mbane intervened just in time to deny a potentially dangerous opportunity.
A 90TH+9 MINUTE EQUALISER
The second half began with South Africa making crucial substitutions, including bringing in Hildah Magaia, who immediately influenced the game. She broke free on the left, sending a threatening cross toward Kgatlana, yet Diakité managed to intercept. Meanwhile, Côte d’Ivoire attempted to regain their control, highlighted by Konan’s dribbling display which nearly led to another scoring opportunity but ended with a shot sailing over the bar.
South Africa began to find their footing and reduced the deficit following a brilliantly executed through ball from Refiloe Jane that reached Kgatlana. The star player navigated past her marker deftly at the edge of the box before executing a powerful cross that caught Diakité off guard, making it 1-2. Attempts by Kgatlana to generate further opportunities included winning a free-kick which sadly did little to change the outcome as Dhlamini’s attempt fell directly into Diakité’s hands.
In the closing minutes, both teams intensified their physical play with numerous fouls on display. South Africa pressed for an equalizer, coming close via a finely curled free-kick from Motau that brushed past Diakité’s far post. As tension mounted, South African substitutes aimed to bring about a breakthrough when Isabella Ludwig managed to get on the end of a long free-kick, though her shot was ultimately blocked. Magaia was quick to follow up, slotting the ball home only to be thwarted by an offside call.
However, South Africa’s persistence paid off; Ronnel Donnelly, yet another substitute, orchestrated a swift play that found Magaia in an excellent position, successfully striking a left-footed half-volley into the corner and finally beat Diakité, leveling the score at 2-2. This crucial point allows South Africa to remain hopeful for progression in the tournament, despite their earlier unexpected loss to Tanzania.
LOOKING AHEAD
As it stands, South Africa now has one point and prepares to face Burkina Faso in a critical match that could determine their fate in advancing further in WAFCON. For Côte d’Ivoire, they will be pitted against Tanzania with hopes of securing a direct qualification to the quarter-finals that slipped through their fingers with the late equalizer.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is set to take place from July 26th to August 16th in Morocco, showcasing the continent’s top 16 teams as they compete for glory across several matched venues in Rabat and Casablanca.
