Banyana Banyana Keep WAFCON 2026 Hopes Alive After Dramatic Comeback Against Côte d’Ivoire

Sasol South Africa women’s national football team produced a spirited late comeback to rescue a dramatic 2–2 draw against Côte d’Ivoire women’s national football team in their Group B clash at the Stade Moulay Rachid on Friday, keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the 2026 TotalEnergies WAFCON alive.

Having suffered a disappointing 2–1 defeat to Tanzania in their opening match, Banyana Banyana desperately needed a positive result. For much of the contest, however, it appeared they were heading for consecutive defeats after Côte d’Ivoire established a commanding two-goal advantage.

The draw leaves Banyana Banyana with just one point from their opening two Group B matches after Friday’s dramatic encounter.

Elsewhere in the group, Burkina Faso claimed a 2–1 victory over 10-player Tanzania to register their first-ever TotalEnergies WAFCON win.

The latest results have set up a fascinating conclusion to the group stage.

Banyana Banyana Keep WAFCON 2026 Hopes Alive After Dramatic Comeback Against Côte d’Ivoire (Image: @Banyana_Banyana/X)

Côte d’Ivoire lead Group B with four points after following up their opening 4–1 victory over Burkina Faso with Friday’s draw against South Africa.

Tanzania and Burkina Faso are both on three points, while Banyana Banyana remain bottom of the standings with one point.

Despite sitting at the foot of the table, South Africa’s qualification hopes remain alive heading into the final round of Group B fixtures.

Banyana Banyana will face Burkina Faso on Tuesday, while Côte d’Ivoire take on Tanzania. Both matches are scheduled to kick off at 22:00 SAST.

With only three points separating first and fourth place, the race for the quarter-finals remains finely balanced. South Africa know victory over Burkina Faso could still be enough to keep their WAFCON title defence alive, depending on the outcome of the other Group B encounter.