Banyana Banyana fight back from two goals down to keep WAFCON hopes alive

Banyana Banyana recovered from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 with Ivory Coast on Friday and keep their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign alive.

The 2022 African champions appeared to be heading for a second successive defeat after Grace Sery scored twice in the first half for the group leaders. However, Thembi Kgatlana reduced the deficit with 19 minutes remaining before Hildah Magaia struck in the ninth minute of added time to secure a valuable point for South Africa.

The result follows Banyana Banyana’s disappointing opening-day defeat by Tanzania and gives Desiree Ellis’ side a much-needed boost as they continue their attempt to reclaim the continental title.

Ivory Coast, who had beaten Burkina Faso on Monday, made the stronger start in Casablanca and punished South Africa after a misplaced corner gave them the opportunity to counter-attack.

Rebecca Elloh carried the ball forward before releasing Sery, who finished first time beyond South Africa goalkeeper Kaylin Swart to put the Lady Elephants ahead after 18 minutes.

Sery continued to cause problems and doubled Ivory Coast’s advantage eight minutes before half-time. Elloh again provided the pass, sending the forward through behind the South African defence, and Sery lifted the ball over the advancing Swart to make it 2-0.

Banyana Banyana struggled to impose themselves during the opening stages but finished the first half with greater urgency. They almost pulled a goal back when Kgatlana beat the offside trap and collected a through ball, only for Ivory Coast goalkeeper Aramatou Diakite to block her effort.

Ellis responded at half-time by turning to her substitutes, replacing Nthabiseng Majiya with Magaia in an attempt to change the course of the match.

The alteration brought greater attacking purpose from the African champions. Within two minutes of the restart, Kgatlana worked an opening from a tight angle, but Diakite again denied her.

South Africa continued to press as the game entered its final 20 minutes, and their persistence finally paid off. Kgatlana moved into the right side of the penalty area before sending a powerful effort into the top corner, leaving Diakite with no chance.

The comeback appeared to have been completed in stoppage time when Magaia finished from close range after a scramble in the six-yard box. The goal was ruled out for offside, prolonging South Africa’s wait for an equaliser.

Magaia was not to be denied, though. With only seconds remaining, she arrived on the far side to meet a flick-on and fired into the top corner, rescuing a point for Banyana Banyana.

South Africa now remain in contention in their group after avoiding a second defeat, while Ivory Coast’s lead was reduced by the late fightback.