Hildah Magaia scored in added time to secure a 2-2 draw for South Africa against Ivory Coast in a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group B match on Friday in Morocco. This result keeps Banyana Banyana’s WAFCON aspirations alive.
The Ivorians initially took a 2-0 lead by halftime, with Grace Sery, an 18-year-old, scoring both goals. Sery found the net in the 18th and 36th minutes, assisted by another 18-year-old, N’Sira Ouedraogo. Both Sery and Ouedraogo play for Danish club Nordsjaelland, and their speed was a factor in the first half.
South Africa, who had made four changes to their lineup after a previous loss to Tanzania, faced a significant challenge. Head coach Dr Desiree Ellis had previously stated that the team takes “one game at a time” and that the match against Ivory Coast was a “must win” encounter.
Second-half comeback
Thembi Kgatlana reduced the deficit for South Africa midway through the second half, scoring in the 71st minute in Casablanca. Kgatlana cut inside Aicha Fofana before firing past goalkeeper Aramatou Diakate, offering renewed hope for Banyana Banyana.
Substitute Magaia then had a goal disallowed for offside in added time. However, she later connected with a headed pass from Ronnel Donnelly, striking the ball past Diakate to level the score. This late goal secured a crucial point for South Africa.
Ivory Coast currently leads Group B with four points. Tanzania follows with three points, while South Africa has one point, and Burkina Faso has none. Tanzania, who previously defeated South Africa, were scheduled to play Burkina Faso later on Friday and could qualify for the quarterfinals if they secured maximum points.
Looking ahead to the final group stage
In the final round of group matches on Tuesday, Ivory Coast is set to play Tanzania. South Africa, who are former champions, will face Burkina Faso. To have a chance of advancing to the knockout phase and maintaining their hopes for a second consecutive World Cup appearance, South Africa must defeat Burkina Faso.
The 2027 World Cup will be hosted by Brazil, and the four WAFCON semifinalists will automatically qualify for the 32-nation tournament. The losing quarterfinalists in WAFCON will have another opportunity to qualify for the World Cup through playoffs, which will first take place in Morocco and then in an inter-continental competition.
South Africa has a history of participating in every edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with this being their 14th consecutive appearance. The team’s captain, Thembi Kgatlana, expressed that these are the types of games players want to be involved in, highlighting the importance of representing their country and potentially reaching the World Cup.
The Lady Elephants, as the Ivory Coast team is known, are making their third appearance at WAFCON, having finished third in 2014. Their head coach, Reynald Pedros, emphasized the need for defensive solidity and adapting their game to stop South Africa. The team’s objective is to secure six points and qualify for the quarterfinals.
Asec Mimosas midfielder Erika Gnounoue also commented on the team’s determination to win their second match and make the Ivorian people proud, building on the confidence gained from their first victory.
Source: news24.com
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