Women's AFCON 2026: Mali vs Cape Verde, the starting elevens for a do-or-die showdown

Live 63’ Africa Women Cup of Nations

Mali W

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Cabo Verde W

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After Cameroon’s 1-0 victory over Ghana, it’s time for Mali vs Cape Verde. On matchday two of the TotalEnergies CAF Women's AFCON Morocco 2026, Mali faces off against Cape Verde. Both teams, having lost their opening fixtures, are left with no margin for error if they hope to keep their qualification hopes alive. Kick-off is at 20:00 GMT at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium.

The loser of this Mali vs Cape Verde clash will be in serious trouble. After a 2-1 defeat to Cameroon, the Eagle Ladies are desperate to bounce back. On the other side, the Blue Sharks, who fell 2-0 to Ghana, must absolutely grab points to stay alive in the group. As a reminder, earlier in the day, Cameroon edged Ghana 1-0. The pressure is at its peak. Here are the official line-ups:

Mali's official starting XI: Karentao (GK) (C), Coudon, C. Dembele, Oumou, S. Diarra, Aissata T., F. Niakate, Saratou, T. Sissoko, Diagne, O. Sissoko.

Cape Verde's official starting XI: Jacinta (GK), Varsénia (C), Kelly, Larissa, Leia, Vá Moreira, L. Rodrigues, Leh, Evy Pereira, Luriane, Soares M.

Rivalry renewed

For Mali, captain Karentao guards the net while Diagne is expected to make the difference up front. On the Cape Verde side, Varsénia leads the squad and will rely on the pace of attackers like Evy Pereira to spring a surprise.

A tight contest is expected between two sides who know each other well. In the qualifiers for this 2026 Women’s AFCON, Mali won 1-0 in Praia before Cape Verde turned the tables in Bamako with a 4-2 win to qualify 4-3 on aggregate.

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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