Côte d’Ivoire sealed top spot in Group B of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a composed 2-1 victory over Tanzania on Tuesday, while South Africa joined them in the quarter-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Burkina Faso.
The Lady Elephants completed an unbeaten group-stage campaign with seven points from three matches, marking an impressive return to the continental showpiece after a 12-year absence. South Africa, meanwhile, bounced back from a difficult start to finish second with four points and extend their title defence into the knockout rounds.
Tanzania and Burkina Faso, who both ended the group stage with three points, were eliminated.
Lady Elephants finish the job in style
Tanzania entered the decisive fixture knowing victory would guarantee a historic place in the quarter-finals but were dealt a major setback before kick-off with the suspension of Hasnath Ubamba following her red card against Burkina Faso.
