Group B of the 2026 Womens Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) was plunged into high-stakes drama on Friday as ten-woman Tanzania suffered a setback against Burkina Faso, shortly after defending champions South Africa mounted a thrilling late fightback to rescue a point against Ivory Coast.
With just one group fixture remaining, all four teams retain a chance of qualifying for the knockout rounds, setting up a blockbuster final matchday.
- Burkina Faso 2–1 Tanzania: Stallions Capitalize on Twiga Stars Red Card
Burkina Faso secured their first win of the tournament with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over East Africas representative, Tanzania.
The Twiga Stars came into the clash on a high after shocking South Africa 2–1 in their opener. However, their momentum took a hit after being reduced to ten players.
Burkina Faso took advantage of the numerical edge, asserting control in midfield and striking decisively to claim three crucial points.
The result leaves Tanzania on three points, keeping their quarter-final ambitions alive but leaving zero margin for error in their final fixture.
- South Africa 2–2 Ivory Coast:
Earlier in the day, defending champions South Africa narrowly avoided the brink of elimination by recovering from two goals down to draw 2–2 against Ivory Coast.
The Ivorian Lady Elephants dominated the opening period, with teenage forward Grace Sery netting a brilliant first-half brace (18′, 36′).
Banyana Banyana responded with relentless second-half pressure:
Thembi Kgatlana cut inside to fire into the top corner, cutting the deficit in the 71st minute.
Deep into stoppage time, substitute Ronnel Donnelly set up Hildah Magaia to volley home a dramatic equalizer and save South Africas tournament hopes.
Group B Standings Ahead of Matchday 3
All eyes will be on the final group encounters as teams battle for the top two automatic quarter-final spots and potential best-third-place progression:
Tanzania vs. Ivory Coast: The Twiga Stars must re-gather their resolve against group leaders Ivory Coast, knowing a win guarantees progression to the knockout stage.
Burkina Faso vs. South Africa: A high-stakes clash where a win is essential for Banyana Banyana, while Burkina Faso can seal their spot with a victory.
