WAFCON 2026: Heavyweights Prevail as Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa Secure Knockout Passage
Group B reached an intense, high-stakes climax in Casablanca as Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa safely navigated a treacherous final matchday to book their elite final-eight spots.
At the Moulay Rachid Stadium, the clinical Lady Elephants outmuscled a resilient Tanzania side in a 2-1 thriller.
This hard-fought triumph takes the Ivorians to seven points, allowing them to confidently march into the tournament’s next phase as undefeated group winners.
In the concurrent fixture at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, former champions South Africa ground out a vital 1-0 win over Burkina Faso.
Talismanic attacker Thembi Kgatlana stepped up when it mattered most, unlocking the opposition defence with a lethal 21st-minute strike.
Desiree Ellis’s Banyana Banyana then showcased elite defensive discipline to withstand a wave of late pressure and seal their automatic qualification spot.
The closing results eliminate a brave Burkina Faso side and leave Tanzania sweating on a potential third-place qualification lifeline.
Meanwhile, a pair of blockbuster quarter-final showdowns have now been locked in for the upcoming weekend.
The rampant Ivorians are set to trade blows with Algeria, while South Africa prepares for a highly anticipated, heavyweight collision against undefeated tournament hosts Morocco.
About The Author
Leave a comment