Mali and Cape Verde name unchanged line-ups as both seek first points at Women’s Africa Cup of Nations

Mali and Cape Verde have confirmed unchanged starting line-ups for their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 meeting, with both sides trying to respond after losing their opening matches.

The result leaves both nations looking to revive their campaigns in this fixture. Their selections have now been formally announced, with Mali captain and goalkeeper Karentao leading her side, while Varsenia wears the armband for Cape Verde.

Mali will begin with Karentao in goal and captain, alongside Coudon, C. Dembele and Oumou. The rest of the starting XI is made up of S. Diarra, Aissata T., F. Niakate, Saratou, T. Sissoko, Diagne and O. Sissoko.

Mali XI: Karentao (GK) (C), Coudon, C. Dembele, Oumou, S. Diarra, Aissata T., F. Niakate, Saratou, T. Sissoko, Diagne, O. Sissoko.

Cape Verde have selected Jacinta as their goalkeeper, with captain Varsenia joined in the starting line-up by Kelly, Larissa and Leia. Va Moreira, L. Rodrigues, Leh, Evy Pereira, Luriane and Soares M. complete the team.

Cape Verde XI: Jacinta (GK), Varsenia (C), Kelly, Larissa, Leia, Va Moreira, L. Rodrigues, Leh, Evy Pereira, Luriane, Soares M.

Both teams enter the match with the same immediate objective: to recover from their first defeat of the tournament. The confirmed line-ups give a clear indication of the players entrusted with helping Mali and Cape Verde make that response on the pitch.

For Mali, Karentao combines the responsibility of starting in goal with the captaincy. She will be supported by a side featuring Coudon, C. Dembele and Oumou, while S. Diarra, Aissata T. and F. Niakate are also named among the starters.

Saratou, T. Sissoko, Diagne and O. Sissoko make up the remainder of Mali’s selected XI. On the opposite side, Jacinta takes the goalkeeper’s position for Cape Verde, with Varsenia appointed captain.

Kelly, Larissa and Leia are included in the Cape Verde line-up, as are Va Moreira, L. Rodrigues and Leh. Evy Pereira, Luriane and Soares M. also start as Cape Verde attempt to put their opening defeat behind them.

With both nations seeking to get their campaigns back on course, the official selections have been confirmed ahead of a match in which Mali and Cape Verde will each be aiming to respond positively to their first result.