South Africa's hopes of reaching the quarter-finals of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) are precariously balanced after a thrilling 2-2 draw with Ivory Coast in Casablanca. The Group B favorites, who are currently at the bottom of the table with just one point after two rounds, must now beat Burkina Faso and rely on Ivory Coast defeating Tanzania in the final group matches to progress.
Ivory Coast, who now have four points, took an early lead with two goals from 18-year-old Grace Sery. South Africa, however, rallied in the second half with Thembi Kgatlana scoring in the 71st minute. The match seemed destined for a loss until Hildah Magaia scored a dramatic equalizer in the ninth minute of added time, securing a crucial point for the Banyana Banyana.
In the other Group B match, Burkina Faso edged Tanzania 2-1, despite Tanzania playing with 10 players after a red card. This result leaves Burkina Faso and Tanzania both with three points, intensifying the competition in the group. South Africa's path to the quarter-finals now hinges on their performance in the upcoming must-win match against Burkina Faso.
Before the tournament, South Africa had high hopes of competing in back-to-back World Cups. With Brazil set to host the 2027 edition, the four WAFCON semi-finalists will automatically qualify. The losing quarter-finalists will have a second chance through play-offs, first in Morocco and then in an inter-continental competition. South Africa's journey to the World Cup now depends on their ability to overcome the challenges ahead in the WAFCON.
