Mali survive Cape Verde fightback to claim 3-2 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations victory

Mali secured a 3-2 win over Cape Verde in a fiercely contested second-round match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, holding on after their opponents twice fought back to level the contest.

The result came at the end of an intense and closely balanced encounter between two teams seeking to strengthen their position in the race for qualification. Mali eventually prevailed thanks to a decisive second-half spell, but Cape Verde remained a threat until the final whistle.

Mali made the breakthrough in the 29th minute when Oumou Kone converted a chance created by her team-mate Assiata Traore. The forward’s finish sparked celebrations among the Mali supporters and appeared to give her side control of the game.

Cape Verde, however, responded almost immediately. Just seven minutes after falling behind, Evy Pereira found the net in the 36th minute to restore parity and ensure the two teams went into the interval level.

The second half began with Mali re-establishing their advantage. Five minutes after the restart, Niakate Fatoumata scored the second goal for Mali after being supplied by Traore. It was another important contribution from Traore, who had already provided the assist for Kone’s opener.

Mali then extended their lead in the 79th minute. Diarra Fatoumata completed the move after receiving a pass from Orokia Sissoko, putting her side two goals ahead and seemingly placing them in a strong position to claim all three points.

Cape Verde refused to surrender. Alivia Kelly reduced the deficit with 10 minutes remaining, setting up a tense closing period and giving her side renewed hope of completing another comeback.

The equaliser did not arrive, though, and Mali saw out the remaining minutes to finish with a 3-2 victory. The result followed a match in which neither side was able to establish lasting dominance, with both teams producing sustained pressure and responding quickly whenever the balance shifted.

Mali’s three goals came from Kone, Niakate Fatoumata and Diarra Fatoumata, while Traore played a central role in the victory by setting up the opening goal and assisting again for the second. Cape Verde’s response was led by Pereira and Kelly, whose goals kept the game competitive from the first half through to the closing stages.

With the final score settled at 3-2, Mali claimed the advantage in the second matchday contest, while Cape Verde were left to reflect on a spirited performance that ultimately ended in defeat.