CAN Féminine 2026. Mali bounces back with 3-2 win over Cape Verde

02.08.26 FT Africa Women Cup of Nations

Mali W

3

:

Cabo Verde W

2

Mali kicks off its Women's AFCON campaign. Facing Cape Verde this Sunday in the second round of Group D, the Eagles Ladies clinched a thrilling 3-2 victory in a match packed with goals and suspense.

A spectacular match

After Koné opened the scoring in the 28th minute and Valera equalized in the 35th, Mali came out of the locker room with renewed intent. In the 50th minute, Fatoumata Niakate restored the Malian lead with another assist from Aïssata Traoré, who had already provided the first goal.

Dominant, the Eagles extended their lead in the 79th minute. Orokia Sissoko set up Fatoumata Diarra, who finished to make it 3-1.

Wild finish

Cape Verde refused to give up. In the 88th minute, Alivia Kelly pulled one back, reviving Cape Verde’s hopes. But it was too late to change their fate. Cape Verde suffered a second straight defeat after the 0-2 loss to Ghana and is now eliminated.

For their part, Mali gets back on track after their 1-2 defeat to Cameroon and ahead of a decisive clash against Ghana in the final group match. The Black Queens, meanwhile, were beaten 0-1 earlier by already-qualified Cameroon. Everything remains possible for the Eagles Ladies in this 2026 Women's AFCON.

Nafongo TRAORE |

News Editorfr, ar, en

Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.

Related teams and leagues

Mali W

Cabo Verde W

Africa Women Cup of Nations