Mali revived their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 hopes with an entertaining 3-2 victory over Cape Verde in a dramatic Group D encounter.
The Eagles secured their first win of the tournament after surviving a late fightback in a match that produced five goals and several changes in momentum.
Mali took control shortly before the half-hour mark when Oumou Kone opened the scoring. Their advantage, however, lasted only seven minutes before Cape Verde responded with a landmark moment for their women’s football team.
Eveline Varela scored Cape Verde’s first-ever goal at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, bringing the sides level and ensuring the match was finely balanced at half-time.
Mali regained the lead early in the second half through Fatoumata Niakate. The goal restored their momentum and put them back in front after Cape Verde had briefly threatened to take control of the contest.
The Mali side continued to create pressure and were rewarded with a third goal in the 79th minute, when Fatoumata Diarra extended their advantage.
That strike appeared to give Mali a decisive cushion, but Cape Verde refused to give up. Alivia Kelly scored late in the game to reduce the deficit to 3-2 and set up a tense final period.
Cape Verde pushed for an equaliser, but Mali held firm to protect their narrow lead and claim their first victory of WAFCON 2026.
The result reignites Mali’s campaign in Group D, while Cape Verde will take encouragement from their resilience and from Varela’s historic goal, the nation’s first at the tournament.
Mali’s ability to respond after conceding and then withstand a late challenge proved decisive in a match that remained open and competitive from the first goal to the final whistle.
Kone’s opener gave Mali the early edge, but Varela’s equaliser ensured Cape Verde became part of the tournament’s history. Niakate then put Mali back in front after the interval before Diarra’s 79th-minute goal gave them the platform to secure the points.
Kelly’s late effort made the closing stages uncomfortable for Mali, but Cape Verde could not find a third goal. The Eagles therefore finished the contest with a 3-2 success and fresh belief in their WAFCON 2026 campaign.
