WAFCON 2026: Banyana Banyana Snatches Late Draw To Keep Qualification Hopes Alive

WAFCON 2026: Banyana Banyana Snatches Late Draw To Keep Qualification Hopes Alive

Sampson Adedeji

Defending champions South Africa's Banyana Banyana produced a dramatic late comeback to earn a 2-2 draw and keep their qualification hopes alive at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Banyana found themselves two goals down after Ruth Sery struck twice to put Ivory Coast in firm control of the contest.

South Africa responded through star forward Thembi Kgatlana, whose goal sparked the team's fightback and set up a tense finale.

Hildah Magaia appeared to have rescued a point in stoppage time, but her effort was initially ruled out for offside.

Moments later, however, the forward made no mistake, drilling home the equaliser deep into added time to complete the comeback.

The dramatic draw ensures Banyana Banyana remain in contention for a place in the knockout stage, with their qualification hopes still firmly alive heading into their final group fixture.