Cote d’Ivoire’s late setback keeps Group B wide open at Women’s Africa Cup of Nations

Cote d’Ivoire surrendered a two-goal lead in stoppage time as South Africa fought back to claim a 2-2 draw in Group B at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 on Friday.

The result leaves Cote d’Ivoire at the top of the section with four points, but South Africa remains in contention for qualification after its dramatic recovery. In the other Group B match, Burkina Faso secured a historic first victory in the final phase of the competition by beating Tanzania 2-1.

Cote d’Ivoire appeared to be on course for a second win of the tournament after Grace Sery scored twice in the first half. Her first goal came in the 18th minute, and she doubled the advantage 18 minutes later to give the Ivorian side a commanding position before the break.

South Africa, however, responded after half-time and gradually turned the momentum in its favour. Thembi Kgatlana pulled one goal back in the 71st minute, giving the South Africans renewed hope of avoiding defeat.

The equaliser eventually arrived deep into added time. Magahai found the net in the 90th minute plus nine, although the goal came after an earlier effort had been disallowed following a VAR review. South Africa’s late intervention denied Cote d’Ivoire victory and ensured the group leaders were held to a draw.

The point keeps Cote d’Ivoire first in Group B on four points. South Africa’s position remains alive ahead of the final round of matches, with the draw preventing the Ivorian side from securing a decisive advantage at this stage.

Burkina Faso’s win against Tanzania was the other major development of the day. Naomie Adele Kabre put the Burkinabe side in front three minutes before half-time, scoring in the 43rd minute.

Tanzania’s task became more difficult after Hasnath Ubamba was sent off, leaving the side with 10 players. Despite that disadvantage, Tanzania produced an equaliser in the 62nd minute through Aisha Mnunka.

Burkina Faso restored its lead later in the match when Balkissa Sawadogo scored to make it 2-1. The result represented the country’s first victory in a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals tournament.

The win also gives Burkina Faso a clear objective for the final matchday. The Etalons Dames will face South Africa with qualification at stake, while the group’s outcome remains unresolved after Cote d’Ivoire’s late collapse and Burkina Faso’s historic success.

Friday’s Group B results were:

South Africa 2-2 Cote d’Ivoire

Burkina Faso 2-1 Tanzania