Banyana Banyana rescue late draw against Ivory Coast to keep Wafcon hopes alive

Banyana Banyana scored twice in the closing stages to draw 2-2 with Ivory Coast in Casablanca and keep their hopes of reaching the knockout phase of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations alive.

Hildah Magaia struck in the ninth minute of added time to secure a hard-earned point for South Africa in their second Group B match on Friday night.

The result follows Banyana Banyana’s unexpected 2-1 defeat by Tanzania in their opening game on Monday and leaves their position in the group uncertain. The other Group B fixture, between Tanzania and Burkina Faso, was due to take place later on Friday and will have an impact on South Africa’s chances of progressing.

Desiree Ellis’ side will conclude their group campaign against Burkina Faso on Tuesday.

Ellis made three changes to the team that began the defeat by Tanzania. Kaylin Swart replaced Andile Dlamini in goal, while Fikile Magama came into the defence in place of Lebohang Ramalepe.

Nthabiseng Majiya was also selected in attack, with Magaia initially dropping to the bench.

The changes did not prevent South Africa from falling behind, as Ivory Coast forward Grace Sery punished them twice during a difficult first half.

Sery opened the scoring after 18 minutes before adding a second goal in the 36th minute. Banyana Banyana struggled to settle during the early stages and went into the interval two goals behind.

They responded with a determined second-half performance, however, and Thembi Kgatlana gave them renewed hope with an excellent finish after 84 minutes.

The star striker curled her shot into the net to reduce the deficit and set up a tense finish.

Magaia appeared to have scored a second South African goal in the 94th minute, but the effort was disallowed. She was not to be denied, though, and found the net again a few minutes later to complete the comeback.

Her late close-range finish earned Banyana Banyana a point which keeps them in contention in Group B, although the outcome of Tanzania’s match against Burkina Faso will influence the significance of Friday’s result.

South Africa must now prepare for their final group match against Burkina Faso on Tuesday, knowing that their path to the knockout stage remains unresolved after two matches.