Mali secured its first victory at the 2026 WAFCON after defeating Cape Verde 3-2 in an exciting Group D encounter played in Casablanca.

The Eagles took the lead three times and managed to withstand the response of a Cape Verde side that never stopped fighting and scored its first goals in the tournament’s history.

A first half with an immediate response

Mali opened the scoring in the 29th minute through Oumou Koné, who converted an assist from Aïssata Traoré to make it 1-0.

The lead did not last long. Eveline Varela responded seven minutes later and scored Cape Verde’s first goal in WAFCON history, sending the match into halftime tied at 1-1.

Mali regains control

The Malian side moved back in front shortly after the start of the second half. Fatoumata Niakaté made it 2-1 in the 50th minute, once again following an assist from Aïssata Traoré, who was one of the most influential players in the match.

Mali extended its lead in the 79th minute through Fatoumata Diarra, whose goal ultimately proved crucial in securing all three points.

Cape Verde fought until the end

Cape Verde refused to give up and pulled one back through Alivia Kelly, who made it 3-2 in the 88th minute and added tension to the closing stages.

However, Mali withstood the late pressure and held on to its lead until the final whistle, earning its first three points after losing to Cameroon in its opening match.

The result keeps Mali in contention for a place in the next round, while Cape Verde remains without a point after its first two matches, despite producing a historic performance by scoring for the first time in the competition.