Hildah Magaia came off the bench to score a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser as South Africa fought back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw against Ivory Coast and keep their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarter-final hopes alive.
Banyana Banyana, who suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Tanzania in their opening Group B fixture, looked destined for an early exit after a nightmare first half in Friday’s clash.
Ivory Coast, fresh from a convincing 4-1 victory over Burkina Faso in their tournament opener, made a blistering start and raced into a 2-0 lead before the break thanks to a first-half brace from Grace Sery.
With their tournament hopes hanging by a thread, South Africa head coach Desiree Ellis responded by introducing Magaia at the start of the second half before making further substitutions in the 63rd minute.
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The changes injected fresh energy into the South African attack, and they were rewarded in the 71st minute when Thembi Kgatlana pulled one back to set up a tense finish.
South Africa continued to press for an equaliser and they eventually drew level deep into stoppage time as Magaia struck in the 99th minute with virtually the final kick of the match to complete a remarkable comeback and rescue a crucial point.
The result leaves South Africa with one point from two Group B matches, meaning they must beat Burkina Faso in their final group game and hope the other result in the group goes in their favour to secure a place in the knockout stage.
Ivory Coast, meanwhile, move to four points from two matches and remain well placed to qualify for the quarter-finals. The Lady Elephants will aim to seal their place in the last eight when they take on Tanzania in their final group fixture.
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