South Africa kept their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations hopes alive after staging a remarkable second-half comeback to draw 2-2 with Ivory Coast in their second Group B match. Banyana Banyana recovered from two goals down as Thembi Kgatlana and substitute Hildah Magaia found the net to rescue a vital point after Grace Sery’s first-half brace had put Ivory Coast in complete control.
South Africa started brightly and dominated possession during the opening exchanges, controlling 63 percent of the ball. However, despite enjoying more possession, they struggled to create clear-cut chances against a disciplined Ivory Coast side.
The first real opportunity fell to Ivory Coast in the 16th minute when Elloh found space inside the penalty area, but she leaned back and fired her effort over the crossbar.
Three minutes later, Ivory Coast punished South Africa with a swift counterattack. Ouedraogo released Grace Sery, who calmly beat goalkeeper Kaylin Swart to give her side a 1-0 lead in the 19th minute.
South Africa tried to respond but continued to leave gaps at the back. Ivory Coast struck again in the 36th minute through another devastating counterattack. Swart rushed off her line in an attempt to stop Sery, but the striker kept her composure and doubled her tally to leave Banyana Banyana staring at defeat.
The former champions almost pulled one back before the break. In the 44th minute, Linda Motlhalo slipped Kgatlana through on goal, but Ivory Coast goalkeeper Diakite reacted well to narrow the angle and make an important save.
Ivory Coast carried their 2-0 advantage into halftime after a disciplined display built around clinical finishing and quick counterattacks.
South Africa came out with greater urgency after the restart. Substitute Hildah Magaia nearly made an immediate impact in the 48th minute when she crossed from the left for Kgatlana, but Diakite intercepted the dangerous delivery before the striker could convert.
Coach Desiree Ellis made further attacking changes in the 64th minute, introducing Donnelly and Ramalepe in a final attempt to revive her side’s fortunes.
The changes paid off seven minutes later. South Africa recycled possession after Donnelly’s effort was blocked, and Kgatlana unleashed a powerful finish to reduce the deficit in the 71st minute and reignite the contest.
Banyana Banyana piled on the pressure during the closing stages in search of an equaliser. Deep into stoppage time, Magaia thought she had levelled after converting inside the box, but the assistant referee flagged for offside. A VAR review confirmed the decision, leaving South Africa with little time to salvage the game.
However, the defending champions refused to surrender. In the ninth minute of added time, Donnelly flicked the ball into Magaia’s path, and the substitute smashed a superb half-volley into the net to spark wild celebrations as South Africa completed a dramatic comeback.
The 2-2 draw keeps South Africa’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive, although they still have work to do in their final group match. Ivory Coast, meanwhile, will regret letting a two-goal advantage slip after looking on course for a crucial victory for much of the contest.
