Ivory Coast and South Africa automatically secured their spots in the quarter-finals as the highly anticipated Group B action concluded on Day 10 of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
In a thrilling finale, the Ivorians emerged as group winners with seven points, while defending champions South Africa rebounded just in time to take the second automatic qualification slot.
Striver.Football highlights five key takeaways from Day 10 of WAFCON 2026.
Ivory Coast Finish Top Of Group B
Ivory Coast entered the final matchday needing a composed performance against a resilient Tanzania side, and they delivered exactly that.
Their ability to manage the tempo of the game under immense pressure proved why they are genuine title contenders this year.
By topping Group B with seven points, Ivory Coast avoided the immediate threat of facing other group winners in the next round, giving themselves valuable momentum heading into the knockout stages.
Thembi Kgatlana Fires South Africa Into The Quarter-Finals
For 2022 champions South Africa, the final group match against Burkina Faso was a definitive test of character.
Having experienced a mixed start to their title defense, Banyana Banyana required nothing less than a victory to guarantee safe passage to the quarter-finals.
The breakthrough came via their talismanic forward, Thembi Kgatlana, whose blistering pace and composure dismantled the Burkinabé defense to score the only goal of the match.
Kgatlana’s match-winning heroics not only earned her the Woman of the Match accolade but also injected a much-needed sense of urgency and relief into Desiree Ellis’s squad as they look to retain their continental crown.
Defensive Discipline Defines Day 10
Unlike the free-flowing, high-scoring spectacles witnessed in the opening days of the tournament, Day 10 highlighted how tactical pragmatism takes over when tournament survival is on the line.
Both matches were defined by compact defensive blocks, cautious transition play, and physical midfield duels.
South Africa, usually known for their fluid passing style, had to heavily rely on grit and defensive discipline to preserve their slim 1-0 lead.
Similarly, Ivory Coast had to absorb late attacking waves from Tanzania, proving that defensive resilience will be the primary currency in the upcoming knockout rounds.
Heartbreak for Tanzania and Burkina Faso
While the headlines rightfully belong to the qualifying giants, the tournament bids farewell to two incredibly spirited sides.
Both Tanzania and Burkina Faso put up fierce resistance throughout the group phase, proving that the gap in African women's football is rapidly closing.
Entering Day 10 with everything to play for, both teams finished their respective campaigns tied on three points each.
Despite their elimination, their fearless tactical approaches against established heavyweights leave a lasting impression on the tournament.
WAFCON 2026 Matchday 10 By The Numbers
7 – Total points accumulated by Ivory Coast to comfortably claim the top spot in Group B.
4 – Points secured by defending champions South Africa, just enough to clinch the second automatic quarter-final berth.
1 – Match-winning goal scored by star forward Thembi Kgatlana to save Banyana Banyana from a premature exit.
3 – Points achieved by both Burkina Faso and Tanzania before facing tournament elimination.
0 – Total losses suffered by undefeated Ivory Coast throughout the entire group stage campaign.
4 – Cumulative goals scored across both high-stakes, simultaneous matches on Day 10.
