Ghana’s Black Queens have been handed a lifeline in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after Tanzania held reigning champions South Africa to a dramatic 1-1 draw on Saturday in Group C.

The result leaves the group wide open heading into the final round of matches. South Africa and Mali now lead with four points apiece, while Ghana and Tanzania sit on one point each after two matches.

For Ghana, the outcome was a much-needed boost following Friday’s frustrating 1-1 draw against Mali. Alice Kusi’s early goal had put the Black Queens ahead, but they couldn’t hold on as Mali equalised to snatch a point. That result followed Ghana’s opening 2-0 loss to South Africa, leaving their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.

Tanzania, however, changed the narrative by stunning Banyana Banyana in the 24th minute, with Opah Clement heading home from a well-worked set piece. South Africa responded with sustained pressure and eventually levelled through Bambanani Mbane in the 70th minute, converting a cross from Lebohang Ramalepe.

Tensions flared late in the game as Tanzania’s Elizabeth Chenge was sent off, but the Taifa Queens held firm to secure a crucial point—one that keeps not only their hopes alive but also Ghana’s.

The Black Queens now face a must-win clash against Tanzania on Monday. A victory could propel Ghana into the quarter-finals, depending on the result of the simultaneous South Africa-Mali showdown.