WAFCON 2026: Cameroon edge Mali in thrilling encounter thanks to Manga double

Ngah Manga scored twice as Cameroon began their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Mali in an entertaining Group D contest in Casablanca on Thursday.

The Galatasaray forward struck in each half to hand the Indomitable Lionesses all three points, extending Cameroon’s impressive record against Mali to four wins and one draw in their last five meetings.

The victory also gives Cameroon early momentum in the race for a place in the knockout stages ahead of a crucial clash with Ghana.

Manga puts Cameroon in front

Cameroon made a bright start and took the lead in the 14th minute through Manga.

The striker showed excellent control to bring down a lofted pass with her chest before calmly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper at the near post to give the Central Africans an early advantage.

Mali responded well and drew level on the half-hour mark after goalkeeper Michaely Bihina fouled Aïssata Traoré while attempting to collect a through ball inside the penalty area.

Traoré stepped up and confidently converted the resulting spot-kick to make it 1-1.

Both teams continued to create chances before the break, but neither could find another breakthrough in an evenly contested first half.

VAR helps Cameroon regain advantage

The match continued at a high tempo after the restart, with both sides searching for a decisive goal.

That moment arrived in the 72nd minute when the referee awarded Cameroon a penalty following a VAR review.

Manga kept her composure from the spot to score her second goal of the evening and restore the Indomitable Lionesses’ lead.

Cameroon hold firm

Mali threw players forward in the closing stages in search of another equaliser, but Cameroon defended resolutely to protect their advantage.

The West Africans came closest deep into stoppage time when substitute Fatoumata Diarra met a dangerous cross inside the area, but her effort lacked the power to beat Bihina, who gathered comfortably to seal the victory.

Ghana clash awaits

The result continues Cameroon’s dominance over Mali in WAFCON meetings and marks a successful return to the continental finals after missing the previous edition.

The Indomitable Lionesses will now turn their attention to Sunday’s eagerly anticipated Group D showdown against Ghana’s Black Queens, while Mali face Cape Verde knowing victory will be vital to keeping their quarter-final hopes alive.