South Africa produced a stirring second-half comeback to earn a dramatic 2-2 draw against Côte d'Ivoire in their TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 Group B clash on Friday, keeping their quarter-final hopes alive.
Trailing 2-0 at half-time, Banyana Banyana showed tremendous character after the break as goals from Thembi Kgatlana and Hildah Magaia salvaged a valuable point following a difficult opening 45 minutes.
Côte d'Ivoire made the brighter start and almost took the lead in the 15th minute when Amon Elloh curled an effort narrowly wide.
The breakthrough came three minutes later through 18-year-old Grace Sery. A swift counter-attack exposed the South African defence before the teenage forward calmly slotted past Kaylyn Swart.
South Africa searched for an immediate response, with Bongeka Gamede going close in the 20th minute, but her header sailed over the crossbar.
The Ivorians doubled their advantage before the break as Sery completed her brace in almost identical fashion. N'sira Ouedraogo's perfectly weighted lobbed pass sent the teenager clear, and she finished confidently beyond Swart to put Côte d'Ivoire firmly in control.
Banyana Banyana emerged from the interval with renewed purpose and gradually took control of possession as they pushed to get back into the contest.
Their pressure paid off in the 71st minute when captain Refilwe Jane picked out Kgatlana, who cut inside before unleashing an unstoppable strike beyond goalkeeper Aramatou Diakite.
The goal sparked South Africa into life, and they continued to pile on the pressure in search of an equaliser.
Their reward arrived in the closing stages when Ronnel Donnelly headed a perfectly weighted lay-off into the path of Hildah Magaia, who kept her composure to finish clinically and complete a memorable comeback.
The draw leaves Group B delicately balanced heading into the final round of fixtures. Côte d'Ivoire remain well placed with four points, while South Africa's first point of the tournament keeps their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.
