Ngah Manga scored twice to lead Cameroon to a 2-1 victory over Mali in the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Group D match in Casablanca on Thursday.
With this win, Cameroon improved its record against Mali to four wins and one draw in their last five encounters.
Manga opened the scoring in the 14th minute. She controlled a high pass and finished neatly to put Cameroon ahead. Mali equalised in the 30th minute when Cameroonian goalkeeper Michaely Bihina fouled Aïssata Traoré. Traoré converted the penalty, making it 1-1.
The first half saw both teams create chances but remain tied. In the 72nd minute, Cameroon regained the lead after a VAR review awarded them a penalty, which Manga converted for her second goal.
Mali pushed for another equaliser, but Cameroon defended well. The best late chance came from Mali’s Fatoumata Diarra, whose shot lacked power and was easily saved by Bihina.
This victory solidifies Cameroon’s strong history against Mali.
Cameroon is participating in the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the 13th time, having played in every edition since 1998 except for the last tournament.
Next up, Cameroon will face Ghana, while Mali will hope to bounce back against Cape Verde.
