By Nakampe Lekwadu
Banyana Banyana kept their hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) alive after producing a spirited second-half comeback to hold Côte d’Ivoire to a 2-2 draw in their Group B clash at Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, on Friday night.
South Africa looked destined for a second successive defeat after a nightmare first half in which Côte d’Ivoire dominated proceedings and raced into a two-goal lead.
The Ivorians took the lead in the 18th minute when Grace Sery capitalised on a defensive lapse to beat goalkeeper Kaylin Swart. Sery struck again in the 36th minute, calmly finishing another attacking move to hand Côte d’Ivoire a commanding 2-0 advantage before the halftime break.
Banyana Banyana, however, emerged from the dressing room with renewed determination. Coach Desiree Ellis introduced fresh legs and her side immediately began playing with greater urgency, pressing higher up the pitch and forcing the Ivorians onto the back foot.
The pressure finally paid off in the 71st minute when Thembi Kgatlana pulled one back for South Africa with a composed finish, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and breathing new life into the contest.
The goal lifted the South Africans’ confidence as they continued to attack in waves. Their persistence was rewarded late in the match when they found the equaliser to complete a remarkable comeback and rescue a valuable 2-2 draw.
Banyana created several promising opportunities after the break and came close to taking all three points, while Côte d’Ivoire also threatened on the counterattack but were denied by determined South African defending and crucial saves from Swart.
The dramatic comeback earned South Africa an important point after their opening defeat to Tanzania and significantly boosted their chances of progressing to the quarter-finals ahead of their final Group B encounter against Burkina Faso.
Although the first half belonged to Côte d’Ivoire, the second period showcased the resilience and fighting spirit that has become synonymous with Ellis’ side. The result leaves Banyana Banyana with everything still to play for as they continue their quest for a place in the knockout rounds of the continental showpiece.