Women’s AFCON 2026: Cameroon begin campaign with hard-fought victory over Mali

Cameroon made a winning start to their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign by defeating Mali 2-1 in a closely contested Group D encounter at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Wednesday.

The Indomitable Lionesses claimed all three points thanks to a brace from Marie Ngah Manga, whose goals proved decisive after Mali had fought back to level the match from the penalty spot during an entertaining first half.

The result sees Cameroon join Ghana on three points after the Black Queens defeated Cape Verde earlier in the day. Goal difference separates the two teams ahead of their meeting in the second round of fixtures.

For Mali, the defeat means they will need a positive result in their next group match to keep their hopes of progressing alive.

Cameroon strike first after balanced opening

The opening stages offered little to separate the two sides, with both teams enjoying periods of possession but creating few clear opportunities.

Cameroon eventually broke the deadlock in the 14th minute through their first meaningful attack.

A lofted pass from Monique Ngock found Marie Ngah Manga inside the penalty area.

The striker controlled the ball expertly with her chest before calmly finishing past goalkeeper Fatoumata Karentao to give the Indomitable Lionesses an early advantage.

The goal rewarded Cameroon for making the most of their first clear opening after a competitive start to the contest.

Mali respond from the penalty spot

Mali reacted positively after falling behind and gradually began to threaten Cameroon’s defence.

Their persistence paid off midway through the first half when Aïssata Traoré was brought down inside the penalty area by Michaely Bihina after breaking through on the left.

The referee pointed to the spot, and the decision was upheld following a VAR review.

Traoré stepped forward to convert the penalty confidently in the 30th minute, restoring parity and giving Mali renewed belief heading into the remainder of the match.

The equaliser ensured both teams went into the interval with everything still to play for.

Second-half pressure brings Cameroon reward

Cameroon emerged from the break with greater attacking intent and quickly began creating chances.

Achta Toko tested Karentao from a tight angle shortly after the restart, forcing the Mali goalkeeper into a save before she reacted again moments later to deal with a dangerous delivery across her area.

The pressure continued to build as Charlène Meyong released Ngah Manga with a well-weighted pass, only for Karentao to deny the forward with another impressive stop.

However, the Mali goalkeeper was unable to prevent Cameroon from regaining the lead.

In the 69th minute, Ngah Manga was brought down inside the penalty area by Karentao, leaving the referee with little hesitation in awarding another spot-kick.

The Galatasaray forward took responsibility herself and converted from 12 yards to score her second goal of the evening and restore Cameroon’s advantage.

Mali unable to find late equaliser

Despite falling behind again, Mali continued searching for another equaliser.

The Eagles came close in the closing stages when a defensive lapse almost allowed them back into the contest in the 83rd minute, but they failed to capitalise.

Deep into stoppage time, Fatoumata Diarra met a cross at the far post, but her close-range effort lacked the power needed to beat Cameroon’s goalkeeper, who gathered comfortably.

That proved to be the final opportunity of the match as Cameroon successfully protected their lead until the final whistle.

The victory places the Indomitable Lionesses level on points with Ghana in Group D and sets up an important meeting between the two sides in the next round.

Mali, meanwhile, will turn their attention to their upcoming fixture against Cape Verde knowing that a positive result is essential to keep their tournament campaign alive.