Banyana battle back for draw as Magaia proves the hero with last minute goal

The Ivorians led 2-0 with 20 minutes remaining, but Thembi Kgatlana and Magaia, who also had a goal ruled out for offside, gave the 2022 winners hope of advancing to the quarter-finals ahead of their final pool clash against Burkina Faso on Tuesday.

A defeat would almost certainly have eliminated Banyana, perhaps bringing an end to the reign of coach Desiree Ellis, with their hopes of reaching the 2027 Women’s World Cup also over.

South Africa had much of the ball in the early minutes, but it was the Ivorians who scored the opening goal in the 18th minute.

A quick break led to N’Sira Ouédraogo feeding fellow 18-year-old Grace Sery with a perfect pass, and the latter placed the ball past Kaylin Swart in the South African goal from outside the box.

The Ivorians extended their lead in the 36th minute in almost the same fashion. Sery was again put through on goal by Ouédraogo, and this time Swart raced off her line to the edge of the box.

The Ivorian striker showed good composure to simply lob the ball over her and into the net.

Banyana trailed 2-0 at halftime but came out looking brighter in the second half, and Thembi Kgatlana was denied at close range by Ivorian goalkeeper Aramatou Diakité as she tried to steer the ball goalwards.

South Africa were given hope by a fine individual goal from Kgatlana, who cut inside from the left wing and rifled a shot into the top corner of the net from the edge of the box.

Karabo Dhlamini chose to go for goal with a free-kick from 35 yards, but it lacked power and was a wasted chance.

Magaia had the ball in the back of the net from close range, but she was adjudged offside after a VAR check.

Minutes later, she did get her goal as the Ivory Coast defence went to sleep and she was played into acres of space in the box before rifling the ball home from 12 yards.