Ngah Manga strikes early as Cameroon edge ahead of Mali at 2026 Women’s AFCON

Cameroon took an early lead against Mali in their opening match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday, with Marie Gisele Ngah Manga putting the Indomitable Lionesses in front in the 14th minute in Casablanca.

The forward struck after a dominant start from Cameroon, who quickly imposed themselves on the contest at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium. Their pressure was rewarded when Ngah Manga found space between two Mali defenders and clinically finished to break the deadlock.

Picked out smartly in a central position, the Cameroon attacker first outmanoeuvred her direct marker with a composed touch before driving into the area. She then unleashed a precise shot that flew beyond Mali goalkeeper Fatoumata Karentao, leaving her with no chance.

The goal underlined Cameroon’s control in the early stages, as they dictated the tempo and pinned Mali back in their own half. The Indomitable Lionesses moved the ball confidently and repeatedly tested the Malian defensive line before finally making the breakthrough.

Mali, meanwhile, were left chasing the game and searching for a response after falling behind. Their attempts to settle into the match were disrupted by Cameroon’s intensity and organisation, both with and without the ball.

The fixture, part of the opening round of group matches at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026, set the tone for Cameroon’s campaign as they looked to assert themselves as contenders in the tournament.

At the time of Ngah Manga’s opener, Cameroon’s superiority in possession and territory had already been evident, and the goal served to confirm their early dominance against a Mali side struggling to gain a foothold.

The match continued in front of an attentive crowd in Casablanca, with Mali needing to raise their level to find a way back, while Cameroon aimed to build on their advantage and manage the game from a position of strength.