Group B at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations was one of the most intriguing groups left, as all four teams still had an opportunity to qualify for the quarter-finals.
So on the 10th day of WAFCON, who would receive the gift of a spot in the last eight?
Burkina Faso 0-1 South Africa
It had been a tournament full of drama for South Africa in their first two group games, conceding a late goal to lose 2-1 to Tanzania before Hildah Magaia’s 99th-minute penalty secured a 2-2 draw against Côte d'Ivoire and kept their chances alive.
They began the day bottom of Group B, but still had a brilliant opportunity to make it into the knockout stages.
Étalons Dames' 2-1 win over Tanzania last time out meant they started the final group game on three points, and in a strong position to qualify if they could avoid defeat.
Magaia nearly provided another big moment for Banyana Banyana just two minutes in, as some high pressure on the Burkina Faso backline saw the ball drop to the midfielder with the goal gaping, but her attempt at a lob rolled out of play. Another chip attempt from the 31-year-old, six minutes later, was also no trouble for Nina Dabilgou.
What was trouble, though, in the 12th minute was a defensive mix-up from South Africa’s centre-back pairing Karabo Dhlamini and Bambanani Mbane, which allowed Adama Congo through on goal for a brief moment, as Dhlamini managed to race back and get a foot to it, which meant Kaylin Swart was able to smother the ball.
The chances kept coming for either side, as Banyana Banyana came inches away from the lead once more; Dhlamini’s inswinging corner from the right in the 19th minute was flicked on at the near post by Isabella Ludwig, only to nestle just past the far corner.
A minute later, South Africa had broken the deadlock as Fikile Magama’s low cross was crucially missed by Madinatou Rouamba, and Thembi Kgatlana crept it to tap home her second goal of the WAFCON finals.
Naomi Kabré had a chance three minutes before half-time to level, meeting a header from a deep free-kick with some power, but it flew wide to the disappointment of all those backing the Étalons Dames.
The start of the second half saw much less action compared to the first, but Kgatlana almost put South Africa in a commanding position when she spotted Dabilgou off her line, only for the shot to lack any real contact and whizz wide.
The full-time whistle blew, and South Africa coach Desiree Ellis was jumping for joy on the touchline, having managed to guide them from the bottom of the group on matchday one to a chance of the knockouts, but would it be enough?
Tanzania 1-2 Côte d'Ivoire
Côte d'Ivoire were top of Group B after a 4-1 win in their opener against Burkina Faso, before that dramatic 2-2 draw with South Africa.
Tanzania’s first-ever WAFCON win in their first game against Banyana Banyana was enough to give themselves a chance of qualifying, despite a defeat to the Étalons Dames last time out.
So could Les Éléphantes secure top spot, or would the Twiga Stars be reaching for history once more?
Côte d'Ivoire were the dominant side throughout the first half, and they took the lead a minute out from half-time. A cross from Grace Sery was played low into the box and bounced off Inès Konan before N’Sira Ouedraogo fired home.
They had a chance to double the lead in the 67th minute as Anastazia Katunzi wiped out Ouedraogo for a penalty; Konan stepped up and fired into the bottom corner, as she sent the keeper the wrong way.
Moments later, Ouedraogo almost turned provider with some quick feet, before laying it to the edge where Mathilde Dagba smashed the ball off the crossbar.
Late Tanzania consolation
Tanzania’s hopes were crumbling; however, they received the smallest of lifelines in the final minute of stoppage time as 15-year-old Bahati Kizanguzi was taken out by Anastasie Gbéhi. Diana Msewa converted the spot kick, but it was to be the final action.
Tanzania had come so close, but were ultimately just a little short in the end, and Côte d'Ivoire had completed their job by securing top spot in Group B.
Group B round-up
Ultimately, South Africa came out as the biggest winners, with their first three points of the tournament enough to send them through as runners-up. Burkina Faso and Tanzania, despite each winning a game at the tournament, would be enduring an early exit.
Day 11 action
9 PM BST: Egypt vs Nigeria
9 PM BST: Malawi vs Zambia
