On Sunday, Mali secured a crucial 3-2 victory over Cape Verde in its second Group D match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, earning its first three points of the tournament following a thrilling match.
After a spectacular first half that ended with a 1-1 tie, both teams continued to attack after the break.
Mali regained the lead early in the second half, but Cape Verde once again fought back to tie the game and keep the suspense alive.
Just as the match seemed headed for a draw, the Malian women found the decisive goal late in the game to seal a spectacular 3-2 victory.
This win gives Mali renewed hope of qualifying for the Round of 16, while Cape Verde, despite another energetic performance, remains without any points after two matches.
Mali will now focus on its final group stage match, knowing that another positive result could secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
Cape Verde, meanwhile, must win its final match and hope that other results go its way to keep its hopes of qualifying alive.
