Cameroon opened their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2-1 victory over Mali, as Marie Gisèle Ngah Manga scored twice to secure three points in a fiercely contested Group D clash. The win puts the Indomitable Lionesses second in the group behind Ghana on goal difference
Marie Gisèle Ngah Manga scored a brace as Cameroon secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Mali in their opening Group D match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on July 29, 2026 .
The Galatasaray forward broke the deadlock in the 14th minute, expertly controlling a lofted pass from Monique Ngock before calmly slotting past Malian goalkeeper Fatoumata Karentao . Mali responded through Aïssata Traoré in the 30th minute, converting a penalty after Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina brought her down in the box .
📢 GET A DETAILED ARTICLES + JOBS
Join ASJ's WhatsApp Channel and never miss a post or opportunity.
The second half saw Cameroon regain control, and in the 72nd minute, Karentao was penalised for a foul on Ngah Manga inside the area. The striker converted the resulting penalty to restore Cameroon’s lead and seal the victory .
Match Statistics & Records
Cameroon dominated possession with 67.2% and registered 17 shots, four on target, while Mali managed nine shots with two on target . The Indomitable Lionesses also earned four corners to Mali’s two.
The victory maintains Cameroon’s strong record against Mali, extending their unbeaten run to six WAFCON matches . Both teams entered the tournament thanks to CAF’s expansion from 12 to 16 teams . The result leaves Cameroon second in Group D, behind Ghana only on goal difference, with Mali sitting in third place .
Team Lineups
| Cameroon Starting XI (4-3-3) | Mali Starting XI (4-4-1-1) |
|---|---|
| Michaely Kyria Bihina (GK) | Fatoumata Karentao (GK) (C) |
| Yvana Yakana Makana | Orokia Sissoko |
| Maéva Nyadjou | Teninsoun Sissoko |
| Easther Mayi Kith | Coulouba Sogoré |
| Colette Ndzana | Aliya Diagne |
| Monique Ngock | Salimata Diarra |
| Achta Toko | Yakaré Niakaté |
| Charlène Meyong | Coumba Dembelé |
| Bella Rose | Fatoumata Niakaté |
| Marie Gisèle Ngah Manga | Saratou Traoré |
| Grâce Davila Mendoua | Aïssata Traoré |
Disciplinary Summary
Cameroon received four yellow cards (goalkeeper Michaely Bihina, Easther Mayi Kith, Charlène Meyong, and Monique Ngock), while Mali received one yellow card (Fatoumata Karentao) .
Group D Standings (Day 1)
-
Ghana — 3 pts (+2 GD)
-
Cameroon — 3 pts (+1 GD)
-
Mali — 0 pts (-1 GD)
-
Cape Verde — 0 pts (-2 GD)
Source: Accra Street Journal
Last Updated on July 30, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
🏟️ Discover More Sports Stories
Looking for more in-depth sports news, interviews, and features? Visit Accra Sports News — your go-to for exclusive sports content in Ghana and beyond.
Disclaimer: Some content on Accra Street Journal may be aggregated, summarized, or edited from third-party sources for informational purposes. Images and media are used under fair use or royalty-free licenses. Accra Street Journal is a subsidiary of SamBoad Publishing Hub under SamBoad Business Group Ltd, registered in Ghana since 2014.
For concerns or inquiries, please visit our Privacy Policy or Contact Page.
Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
