WAFCON 2026: Late Magaia Heroics Rescue Dramatic Point for South Africa Against Ivory Coast
Former champions South Africa staged a remarkable second-half comeback to rescue a 2-2 draw against Ivory Coast at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca.
Facing immense pressure following a shocking opening-day defeat to Tanzania, Desiree Ellis’s side struggled early on to contain their opponents’ clinical counter-attacking execution.
This hard-fought, dramatic stalemate leaves Group B wide open but crucially keeps Banyana Banyana’s hopes of continental knockout qualification alive.
The Ivorians initially stunned the favorites by taking a commanding two-goal lead courtesy of a brilliant first-half brace from Grace Sery.
South Africa’s tactical adjustments after the interval eventually turned the tide when star striker Thembi Kgatlana pulled a goal back in the 71st minute.
Just as the match appeared to be slipping away into total disaster, substitute Hildah Magaia struck a sensational equalizer deep in the 99th minute to break Ivorian hearts.
This critical point leaves Ivory Coast sitting in a strong position with four points from their opening two group fixtures.
Conversely, a resilient South Africa avoids early mathematical elimination but must now look forward to securing maximum points in their final match.
Fans and neutrals alike will be highly eager to see how this incredibly tight group dynamic ultimately unfolds during the final round of fixtures.
