By Angu Lesley
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
South Africa and Côte d’Ivoire sealed their places in the quarter-finals of the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Tuesday after recording crucial victories in the final round of Group B matches in Casablanca.
Côte d’Ivoire finished top of the group with seven points following a 2-1 win over Tanzania at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium.
The Lady Elephants took the lead just before half-time through Nsira Ouedraogo, who finished from an Inès Konan assist in the 44th minute. Konan then doubled the advantage from the penalty spot in the 68th minute after Côte d’Ivoire continued to dominate proceedings.
Tanzania ensured a nervy finish when Clara Luvanga pulled one back in the closing stages, but the Ivorians held on to secure all three points and top spot in the group.
In the other Group B fixture, defending champions South Africa booked their place in the last eight with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso.
After dominating much of the contest, Banyana Banyana finally found the breakthrough in the 38th minute when Thembi Kgatlana converted from close range after being picked out by Amogelang Motau.
Despite late pressure from Burkina Faso, South Africa defended resolutely to claim the victory that sent them through as group runners-up with four points.
The results ended the hopes of both Burkina Faso and Tanzania, who each finished on three points after spirited campaigns.
Final Group B Standings
- Côte d’Ivoire – 7 points
- South Africa – 4 points
- Burkina Faso – 3 points
- Tanzania – 3 points
With qualification secured, Côte d’Ivoire advance to the knockout stage as group winners, while South Africa continue the defence of the continental crown they won in 2022.
The quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will now see the competition intensify, with the remaining eight nations battling not only for continental glory but also for places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
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