2026 Women's AFCON: Ghana beats Cape Verde, Mali falls to Cameroon

Cape Verde misses its debut at the Women's AFCON

This Wednesday, June 29, 2026 marks an important moment in Cape Verdean women's football history. The women's national team played its first-ever match in the final phase of the Africa Cup of Nations at the Moulay Rachid stadium in Casablanca. This debut ended in a defeat by two goals to nil against Ghana, who finished third in the last edition of the AFCON.

From the 6th minute, Ghana, showing strong ambition for the tournament, opened the scoring thanks to Doris Boaduwaa. The Ghanaian team increased the lead early in the second half, in the 53rd minute. Doris Boaduwaa, who scored in the first half, assisted the second goal which was scored by Vieira Eleia.

Josephine Bonsu, who delivered a high-level performance, was named Woman of the Match.

Cameroon dominates Mali

Returning to the Women's AFCON, Cameroon did not miss its first appearance in Group D. The team dominated Mali at the Larbi Zaouli stadium in Casablanca. The Indomitable Lionesses won by two goals to one. Marie Ngah Manga was the tormentor of the Malian side. The 22-year-old Cameroonian striker scored a brace in the 14th and 73rd minutes.

The Eagle Ladies had, however, equalized in the 30th minute through Aissata Traoré. But Marie Ngah, from the penalty spot, restored the definitive advantage to the Indomitable Lionesses.