LIVE! Cameroon vs. Mali in the 2026 WAFCON on beIN SPORTS

The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) continues on Wednesday with one of the most intriguing matches of the opening round. Cameroon and Mali face off at Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, both aiming to start their campaign with three points and take an early step toward the quarterfinals.

On paper, the Indomitable Lionesses enter as favorites thanks to their history and head-to-head record. However, both teams arrive with something to prove and the pressure of making a strong return to the top level of African women's football.

Don't miss the Cameroon vs. Mali clash in the 2026 WAFCON, live on beIN SPORTS.

Cameroon Holds the Historical Edge

This will be the sixth WAFCON meeting between the two nations, a rivalry that has largely been dominated by Cameroon.

The Indomitable Lionesses own four victories and one draw against Mali, who are still searching for their first-ever WAFCON win over Cameroon.

The numbers also highlight a clear trend: Cameroon has scored at least two goals in each of its previous five meetings with Mali, finding the net 12 times while conceding just six.

In addition, every time the two nations have been drawn into the same group, Cameroon has advanced to the knockout stage.

Two Teams Entering the Tournament in Different Form

While history strongly favors Cameroon, recent form provides an interesting perspective ahead of the tournament opener.

The Indomitable Lionesses head into the competition with confidence after a demanding warm-up schedule. Their last three matches were friendlies, including two against reigning African champions Nigeria. They earned an impressive 1-0 victory in the first meeting, fell 3-1 in the second, and wrapped up their preparations with a convincing 3-1 win over Benin. Those results provided positive momentum and showed that Cameroon sharpened its level against top-quality opposition before the start of the tournament.

From a tactical standpoint, Cameroon remains one of the continent's most physical and aggressive teams. The Lionesses press high, look to win possession quickly, and attack with pace down the flanks. Defensively, they have also become more organized during their recent preparations, making solidity at the back one of their biggest strengths heading into the WAFCON.

The situation is somewhat different for Mali. The Eagles played just one friendly before the tournament, earning a 1-1 draw against Morocco in Rabat. They also enter the competition having won only one of their last five matches, a streak they will be eager to end in their opening game.

Tactically, Mali prefers a more patient and possession-oriented approach. Their build-up usually starts in midfield, with an emphasis on creating overloads on the wings before delivering into the penalty area. Their biggest challenge remains finishing, as they have often matched stronger opponents but struggled to convert scoring opportunities. If they can stay compact defensively and capitalize on counterattacking chances, they have the tools to trouble a Cameroon side that typically takes the initiative from the opening whistle.

A Match That Could Shape the Group

This opening fixture carries significant importance for both teams.

Cameroon returns to the tournament determined to reclaim the status that once saw the nation reach three continental finals and advance to the semifinals in nine of its last 10 WAFCON appearances.

For Mali, meanwhile, the match represents another opportunity to confirm the progress shown in recent editions. After reaching the semifinals in 2018 and the quarterfinals in 2024, the Eagles are eager to prove they can consistently compete with Africa's elite.

With a rivalry that has produced an average of 3.6 goals per match and several memorable encounters, all signs point toward another entertaining showdown as Cameroon and Mali begin their 2026 WAFCON journey.