Cape Verde celebrate first-ever Women’s AFCON qualification as Mali collapse in Bamako

Cape Verde secured a historic place at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time after stunning Mali with a 4-2 victory in Bamako to overturn a first-leg deficit and advance 4-3 on aggregate.

Mali had travelled home with a valuable advantage following their 1-0 win in Praia last week, but any sense of comfort unravelled rapidly in front of their supporters as Cape Verde delivered a remarkable response full of resilience, precision and belief.

The visitors came into the match knowing they needed goals and wasted little time imposing themselves.

Larissa Mello led the charge with a composed finish that cancelled out Mali’s narrow lead from the first encounter. With the Eagles suddenly unsettled, Cape Verde seized full control of the contest.

Ivania Moreira then put her side ahead on the day, punishing hesitant defending and giving the island nation real hope of completing a turnaround few had predicted.

Their pace and ingenuity in attack repeatedly caused problems, while Mali struggled to retain possession or regain rhythm.

Cape Verde’s dream grew even closer when Eleia Vieira added another, leaving Mali needing a response to rescue their campaign.

The home side did find the net twice, prompting brief moments of optimism within the crowd, but those goals ultimately proved insufficient against Cape Verde’s relentless determination.

As the clock wound down, Cape Verde continued to hold firm, aware that every second edged them closer to a defining moment for women’s football in their country.

When the final whistle sounded, celebration erupted among players and staff who had just written an unprecedented chapter in their sporting history.

This is a great achievement for us, Cape Verde representatives expressed in the aftermath, highlighting the magnitude of reaching their first-ever Women’s AFCON.

For Mali, the night delivered bitter disappointment.

Having done the groundwork away from home in the first leg, they appeared positioned to finish the job but instead succumbed to mounting pressure and costly defensive lapses that turned their advantage upside down.

The Eagles now face a period of reflection after allowing qualification to slip from their grasp on their own soil.

The aggregate triumph, 4-3 in Cape Verde’s favour, ensures their debut on the continental stage at the final tournament.

The milestone illustrates the rising competitiveness within women’s football across Africa and signals Cape Verde as an emerging force determined to make their presence felt among the continent’s elite.

While Cape Verde look ahead with excitement and ambition, Mali are left to regroup and search for answers to a night that promised celebration but ended in disillusionment.