South Africa produced a remarkable second-half comeback to earn a dramatic 2-2 draw against Côte d’Ivoire in Group B of the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Friday.
After trailing 2-0 at halftime, Banyana Banyana showed tremendous character and determination to rescue a valuable point through late goals from Thembi Kgatlana and Hildah Magaia.
The result keeps South Africa’s hopes of reaching the quarterfinals alive, while Côte d’Ivoire will be disappointed after letting a commanding lead slip despite an outstanding first-half display.
With the draw, Group B remains wide open ahead of the final round of group matches, setting up an exciting battle for qualification.
Côte d’Ivoire Make a Strong Start
Côte d’Ivoire began the match with confidence and quickly established themselves as the more dangerous side.
The Ivorians looked sharp in possession and regularly threatened South Africa’s defense with quick attacking moves.
Their first major opportunity arrived in the 15th minute when Amon Elloh created space before curling a shot narrowly wide of the post.
Although the effort missed the target, it served as an early warning for the South African defense.
Just three minutes later, Côte d’Ivoire found the breakthrough they had been searching for.
Grace Sery Opens the Scoring
The opening goal came through 18-year-old forward Grace Sery, who continued her impressive rise on the continental stage.
A fast counterattack caught the South African defense out of position, allowing Sery to race into space.
Showing composure beyond her years, the teenage striker calmly placed her finish past goalkeeper Kaylyn Swart to give Côte d’Ivoire a deserved lead.
The goal rewarded the Ivorians for their positive start and increased the pressure on the defending champions.
South Africa Search for a Response
South Africa attempted to respond quickly after conceding.
Captain Refilwe Jane worked hard to inspire her teammates, while the attacking players searched for openings against a disciplined Ivorian defense.
Their best opportunity of the first half came in the 20th minute when Bongeka Gamede rose highest to meet a cross.
However, her header sailed over the crossbar, allowing Côte d’Ivoire to maintain their advantage.
As the first half progressed, the Ivorians continued to look dangerous whenever they attacked.
Sery Completes Brilliant First-Half Brace
Côte d’Ivoire doubled their lead before halftime, and once again it was Grace Sery who found the back of the net.
The move began with an excellent lofted pass from N’sira Ouedraogo, who spotted the teenager making a perfectly timed run behind the South African defense.
Sery collected the pass with confidence before racing clear on goal.
She kept her composure and calmly finished past Swart for her second goal of the match.
The finish was remarkably similar to her first goal and gave Côte d’Ivoire a comfortable 2-0 advantage heading into the halftime break.
At that stage, the Ivorians appeared to be in complete control of the contest.
South Africa Return with New Energy
Whatever was said in the South African dressing room during halftime had an immediate impact.
Banyana Banyana returned to the field with far greater intensity and determination.
They controlled possession for long periods and began pushing Côte d’Ivoire deeper into their own half.
The defending champions showed greater urgency in attack while their passing became quicker and more accurate.
Gradually, the momentum shifted in South Africa’s favor as they searched for a route back into the game.
Kgatlana Sparks the Comeback
South Africa’s persistence finally paid off in the 71st minute.
Captain Refilwe Jane played a clever pass into the path of Thembi Kgatlana, who produced a moment of individual brilliance.
Cutting inside with confidence, Kgatlana unleashed a powerful strike that flew beyond goalkeeper Aramatou Diakite and into the back of the net.
The goal completely changed the atmosphere of the match.
It gave South Africa renewed belief while increasing the pressure on Côte d’Ivoire, who suddenly found themselves defending deep inside their own half.
Magaia Completes the Fightback
After reducing the deficit, South Africa continued to push forward in search of an equalizer.
Their relentless pressure eventually produced the goal they deserved.
Late in the match, Ronnel Donnelly provided an intelligent headed lay-off into the path of Hildah Magaia.
The experienced forward stayed calm under pressure and produced a composed finish to level the score at 2-2.
The goal completed an impressive comeback and sparked celebrations among the South African players and supporters.
Having looked out of the contest at halftime, Banyana Banyana had rescued a crucial point through determination and resilience.
Group B Remains Wide Open
The result leaves Group B finely balanced ahead of the final round of fixtures.
Côte d’Ivoire move to four points and remain in a strong position to qualify for the quarterfinals.
However, they will feel disappointed after allowing a two-goal lead to slip away.
South Africa, meanwhile, collect their first point of the tournament after showing remarkable fighting spirit.
Although they remain under pressure, the draw keeps their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage alive.
Everything will now be decided in the final group matches.
An Entertaining Contest
Friday’s encounter showcased everything that makes the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations such an exciting competition.
Côte d’Ivoire impressed with their pace, attacking quality, and clinical finishing during the opening half, while South Africa demonstrated the determination and character that have made them one of Africa’s strongest women’s teams.
Grace Sery announced herself as one of the tournament’s brightest young stars with an outstanding first-half brace, while Thembi Kgatlana and Hildah Magaia inspired an unforgettable comeback after the break.
With qualification still on the line for several teams, Group B promises more drama as the race for the quarterfinals reaches its thrilling conclusion.
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