WAFCON 2026: Mali and Cape Verde deadlocked 1-1 at halftime

02.08.26 FT Africa Women Cup of Nations

Mali W

3

:

Cabo Verde W

2

Drama and excitement at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium. At halftime in the second matchday duel of Group D of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Mali and Cape Verde are tied 1-1. Both teams lost their opening matches and are fighting to keep their tournament hopes alive.

Koné puts the Eagles Ladies ahead

Mali broke the deadlock in the 28th minute. Off a perfect assist from Aïssata Traoré, who had already scored against Cameroon in their 2-1 defeat, Oumou Koné finished clinically to give the Malians the lead. That goal reignited the Eagles Ladies' hopes after their disappointing start.

Valera makes history

Cape Verde responded without delay. In the 35th minute, Evelyne Valera equalized—and it was no ordinary goal. It marked Cape Verde's very first goal in a Women's AFCON final tournament. A historic moment for the Blue Sharks, competing in their debut Women's AFCON Morocco 2026. Since then, both sides have traded blows, but the goalkeepers have held firm.

45 decisive minutes ahead

With the score level, both Mali and Cape Verde remain under pressure. Only a win will do if they want to keep their quarter-final hopes alive. For the record, Cameroon has already secured their spot by beating Ghana 1-0 earlier. The second half promises to be tense.

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.

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Mali W

Cabo Verde W

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