Dar es Salaam. Ivory Coast underlined their growing credentials at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) by finishing top of Group B with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania, ending the Twiga Stars' hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.
Lady Elephants completed the group stage unbeaten with seven points from three matches after goals from Nsira Ouedraogo and Ines Konan secured victory at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium on Tuesday night.
The result confirmed Ivory Coast's return to the WAFCON knockout stage in impressive fashion after making their first appearance at the continental finals since 2014.
South Africa joined them in the quarter-finals after defeating Burkina Faso 1-0 in the group's other decisive fixture. The defending champions finished second with six points, while Tanzania and Burkina Faso ended their campaigns on three points each.
Ivory Coast entered the match knowing a draw would be enough to secure qualification, but they controlled the contest for long spells and capitalised on their chances at crucial moments.
Tanzania, meanwhile, faced a must-win encounter after their historic victory over South Africa in the previous round had revived hopes of a last-eight place. However, the Twiga Stars were weakened by the absence of defender Hasnath Ubamba, who was suspended following her red card against Burkina Faso. Despite Tanzania's determination, Ivory Coast found the breakthrough just before the interval.
In the 44th minute, Ines Konan produced another influential contribution by setting up Nsira Ouedraogo, who calmly finished to give the West Africans a deserved lead heading into the break.
Ivory Coast continued to dictate proceedings after the restart and doubled their advantage in the 68th minute when Konan converted from the penalty spot after Tanzania conceded a spot-kick.
The goal effectively sealed the outcome, although Tanzania continued to press until the closing stages. The Twiga Stars were rewarded deep into stoppage time when Diana Msewa converted a penalty to reduce the deficit, but the goal proved only a consolation as the final whistle confirmed their elimination.
