South Africa fought back from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 with Ivory Coast in their second Women’s Africa Cup of Nations match, preserving slim hopes of reaching the knockout stage from Group B.
Grace Sery struck in the 18th minute and added a second 18 minutes later, leaving Desiree Ellis’ team in serious trouble.
Banyana Banyana launched their comeback after the interval. Thembi Kgatlana pulled one goal back in the 71st minute before substitute Hildah Magaia levelled the contest deep into added time.
Ivory Coast sit on four points after two matches with a plus-three goal difference. Tanzania have three points from their opening game and a plus-one difference, while South Africa have one point and a minus-one record.
The four WAFCON semi-finalists will secure places at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. Two of the teams defeated in the quarter-final play-offs will also earn berths in the Inter-Confederation Playoff.
Quick facts
- South Africa 2-2 Ivory Coast in Group B
- Grace Sery scored twice for Ivory Coast
- Thembi Kgatlana and Hildah Magaia completed South Africa’s recovery
- Ivory Coast: four points, +3 goal difference
- Tanzania: three points, +1 goal difference
- South Africa: one point, -1 goal difference
- WAFCON’s four semi-finalists qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil
- Two quarter-final play-off losers will enter the Inter-Confederation Playoff
