Cameroon Edge Mali to Set Up Ghana Showdown

Cameroon began their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Mali, setting up a high-stakes Group D encounter against Ghana’s Black Queens that could prove decisive in the race for a place in the knockout stage.The entertaining contest, played in Casablanca, lived up to expectations as two of Africa’s competitive women’s football nations produced an end-to-end battle filled with goals, attacking intent and momentum swings.

Cameroon drew first blood in the 14th minute when Ngah Manga finished superbly to hand the Indomitable Lionesses an early advantage. Mali responded with determination and restored parity 15 minutes later after star forward Aïssata Traore confidently converted a penalty. The spot kick was awarded after Cameroonian goalkeeper Michaely Bihina fouled Traore inside the penalty area.

The equaliser injected further intensity into the contest as both sides pressed for another breakthrough, creating several dangerous opportunities in an evenly matched encounter. The attacking exchanges continued throughout the game, with neither team willing to settle for a share of the points. Cameroon eventually regained control in the 73rd minute when Manga calmly converted a penalty to complete her brace and restore her side’s lead. The decisive goal proved enough to secure all three points despite Mali’s persistent efforts to fight back.

The victory gives Cameroon a winning start to their Group D campaign and places the Indomitable Lionesses second in the standings, strengthening their hopes of progressing beyond the group phase. Attention now turns to Sunday August 2’s eagerly anticipated meeting between Cameroon and Ghana. The Black Queens head into the fixture in confident mood after opening their campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over Cabo Verde, a result that lifted them to the top of the group on goal difference.

With both teams entering the contest on maximum points, the clash is expected to have a significant bearing on the final Group D standings and could determine which side takes a commanding position in the race for qualification to the quarter-finals. Cameroon will look to build on the confidence gained from their opening triumph, while Ghana will aim to maintain their winning momentum in what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the group stage.

Author: Joyce Owusu