Cameroon v Mali: Team line-ups confirmed for Women’s AFCON 2026 group clash in Casablanca

Cameroon and Mali have announced their starting XIs for their opening match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with both coaches naming strong attacking line-ups for Wednesday’s Group-stage encounter at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

Cameroon coach Valentine Nguele has opted for Michaely Kyria Bihina in goal, while placing clear emphasis on firepower in the final third with Grace Mendoua, Marie Gisele Ngah Manga and Bella Rose all selected to start in attack.

Opposite number Birama Konate has handed the captain’s armband and goalkeeping duties to Fatoumata Karentao for Mali, and will look to the trio of Aissata Traore, Fatoumata Niakate and Salimata Diarra to provide the main threat going forward.

The match marks the tournament debut for both sides, with the fixture serving as an early test of their credentials in this edition of the continental showpiece being staged in Morocco.

Cameroon starting XI

Cameroon line up with Michaely Kyria Bihina in goal.

The defence features Easther Kellys Mayi Kiith and Achta Toko Njoya, with additional protection and build-up play likely to come from Monique Ngock and Colette Ndzana Fegue, both of whom also start.

In midfield and advanced areas, Charlene Yverna Meyong Menene and Myriam Maeva Nyadjou Wamen are included from the outset, while Yvana Makana Yakana joins the attack alongside the forward trio of Grace Mendoua, Marie Gisele Ngah Manga and Bella Rose.

Cameroon XI: Michaely Kyria Bihina; Easther Kellys Mayi Kiith, Achta Toko Njoya, Grace Mendoua, Marie Gisele Ngah Manga, Charlene Yverna Meyong Menene, Monique Ngock, Colette Ndzana Fegue, Bella Rose, Myriam Maeva Nyadjou Wamen, Yvana Makana Yakana.

Mali starting XI

For Mali, captain Fatoumata Karentao starts in goal as the focal point of a side that also looks set up to attack.

Coulouba Sogore, Coumba Dembele and Yakare Niakate are all named in the starting line-up, forming part of the defensive and midfield structure in front of their goalkeeper.

Further forward, Mali’s offensive options are led by Aissata Traore, Fatoumata Niakate and Salimata Diarra, while Saratou Traore, Tennisoun Sissoko, Aliya Diagne and Orokia Sissoko also start and will look to support both in and out of possession.

Mali XI: Fatoumata Karentao; Coulouba Sogore, Coumba Dembele, Yakare Niakate, Salimata Diarra, Aissata Traore, Fatoumata Niakate, Saratou Traore, Tennisoun Sissoko, Aliya Diagne, Orokia Sissoko.

With both coaches revealing their selections shortly before kick-off in Casablanca, attention now turns to how these line-ups will translate on the pitch as the two nations begin their campaigns at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.