WAFCON: South Africa vs Ivory Coast – Prediction & Betting Tips

Match Preview 

The second rounds for Group B are underway with a new showdown between South Africa and Ivory Coast at today’s first kick-off. Both teams are coming into this with very different starts, so the question is, how will this affect their performances? 

In their opening game of WAFCON, South Africa suffered a shocking defeat, with Tanzanian opponents taking the win 2–1. Banyana Banyana appeared to be dominating in the early stages, creating chance after chance. But in the end, key players including Thembi Kgatlana and Sinoxolo Cesane all failed to convert. Despite scoring one goal, this wasn’t enough to stop Tanzania from taking the victory. South Africa will be looking to turn things around if they want any hope of preserving their chances to qualify for the 2027 FIFA World Cup. 

The Ivory Coast had a very different start compared to the 2022 champions after their 4–1 win over Burkina Faso. Ivory Coast’s win wasn’t a complete surprise, considering they came out victorious in nine of the 10 games prior to the tournament. Ivory Coast will come into this next match invigorated and hope to take advantage of South Africa’s recent defeat.  

The Ivory Coast ladies will likely have plenty of confidence as they face off with South Africa. However, Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has made clear that these next two matches are a “must-win” for her team and is confident in their ability to bounce back. 

Head-to-Head 

These two sides have only met once in the past at the 2014 WAFCON, with South Africa taking the victory at 2–1. The teams have changed drastically since then, so there’s no doubt the playing field may have levelled out.  

Key Betting Tips 

• Double Chance: South Africa or Draw 

• Under 2.5 Goals 

• Both Teams to Score – Yes 

• Correct Score Prediction: South Africa 1–1 Ivory Coast 

Best Bet 

Both Teams to Score – Yes 

South Africa has already shown that they can create plenty of opportunities for scoring, and with so much at stake, they will be motivated more than ever to convert. Ivory Coast has already scored four times in this tournament, and they will be looking to add more to the list.  

Prediction 

Banyana Banyana has more notoriety in WAFCON thus far, but their conversion rate is a real concern against the more well-organised Ivory Coast side. That said, even with the Ivory Coast’s growing confidence, South Africa will still bring a good challenge. For this game? A draw is looking likely, but what do you think? Place your bet on Bet.co.za. 

Prediction: South Africa 1–1 Ivory Coast