WAFCON: Banyana Banyana still alive after late fightback against Ivory Coast

It means Desiree Ellis' charges have one point from two matches, after a defeat to Tanzania in their tournament opener, and need a victory in their final group game against Burkina Faso if they are to progress into the next round.

The game did not start well for Banyana as they fell behind in the 18th minute when Ivory Coast took the lead through Grace Sery after a swift counter-attack.

The Ivorians were defending a corner but showed their prowess as they moved quickly up the field before Sery saw goalkeeper Kaylin Swartz Swartz off her line and beat her.

The West Africans doubled their advantage after the half-hour mark when Sery completed her brace, with a similar goal to the first one.

The South Africans came out fighting in the second half but could not penetrate the Ivorian defence until the 71st minte when Thembi Kgatlana showing some brilliant individual skill before firing a shot into the top-corner.

Banyana were now completely in the ascendancy as Ivory Coast sat back to protect their lead, and the South Africans had opportunities for the equaliser but were wasteful in the final third.

The equaliser came in the ninth minute of referee's optional time as substitute Ronnel Donnelly flicked on a long-ball into the path of Magaia who fired into the back of the net.

Banyana's crucial final group B encounter against Burkina Faso will take place on Tuesday.

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