Cameroon kicked off their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard fought 2-1 victory over Mali on Thursday night, as Ngah Manga scored twice to secure all three points in an entertaining Group D clash in Casablanca.
The Galatasaray forward inspired the Indomitable Lionesses to an important opening win, helping Cameroon extend their impressive record against Mali to four victories and one draw from their last five meetings. The result also gave Cameroon a strong start ahead of a crucial second group match against Ghana.
The two familiar rivals, meeting for the sixth time in Women’s AFCON history, produced an evenly contested encounter packed with intensity, chances and drama from start to finish.
Cameroon made the breakthrough in the 14th minute through Manga after a superb piece of individual skill. The striker expertly controlled a lofted pass with her chest before calmly finishing at the near post to hand her side an early lead.
Mali responded well and gradually settled into the contest. Their persistence paid off in the 30th minute when goalkeeper Michaely Bihina brought down Aïssata Traoré while attempting to collect a through ball inside the penalty area. The referee pointed to the spot, and Traoré confidently converted the penalty to bring Mali level before halftime.
Both teams continued to create promising opportunities for the remainder of the first half, but organised defending at both ends ensured the sides went into the break tied at 1-1.
The second half resumed at the same high tempo, with both nations pushing for a decisive goal in an evenly balanced contest.
Cameroon eventually regained the lead in the 72nd minute after a VAR review awarded the Indomitable Lionesses a penalty. Manga stepped up and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to complete her brace and restore Cameroon’s advantage.
Mali refused to give up and pushed forward in search of another equaliser during the closing stages. Their best opportunity came in the dying moments when substitute Fatoumata Diarra connected with a dangerous delivery inside the box. However, her effort lacked enough power to beat Bihina, who gathered comfortably to preserve Cameroon’s victory.
The win adds another successful chapter to Cameroon’s dominance over Mali and strengthens the Indomitable Lionesses’ impressive record in this fixture.
Cameroon are making their 13th appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, having featured in every edition since 1998 except the previous tournament. Their winning start puts them in a strong position as the group stage continues.
Attention now turns to Sunday’s Group D fixtures, where Cameroon will face Ghana in a potentially decisive clash after the Black Queens opened their campaign with victory over Cape Verde. Mali, meanwhile, will look to bounce back against Cape Verde as they chase their first points and keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.
