Mali level through Aissata Traore penalty in Women’s AFCON clash with Cameroon

Mali hit back to draw level with Cameroon at 1-1 thanks to a first-half penalty from Aissata Traore in their opening match at the CAN Feminine 2026 in Casablanca.

The forward held her nerve from the spot on 30 minutes, sending goalkeeper Michaely Kyria Bihina the wrong way with a confident finish to restore parity for the Aigles Dames.

Traore’s strike came after Cameroon had taken the lead earlier in the first half through Marie Gisele Ngah Manga, whose opener initially put the Indomitable Lionesses in control.

Mali’s response gathers pace

Conceding first sparked a strong reaction from Mali, who began to push higher up the pitch following Ngah Manga’s goal and were eventually rewarded with the penalty that brought them back into the contest.

Traore’s composed effort underlined the shift in momentum, ensuring Mali capitalised on their improved spell rather than allowing Cameroon to build on their advantage.

Entertaining start in Casablanca

The equaliser left the two sides level in an energetic and open encounter at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, with both teams showing attacking ambition in their first outing of the tournament.

With the scores at 1-1 and the game described as lively up to that point, the early Group-stage meeting set the tone for what could be a closely contested CAN Feminine 2026 campaign for both Mali and Cameroon.