Mali improved their TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 3-2 win over Cape Verde at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Sunday night.

Oumou Kone scored first for Mali, but Eve Pereira equalised for Cape Verde. Fatoumata Niakate restored Mali’s lead early in the second half, and Fatoumata Diarra scored again in the 79th minute. Cape Verde fought back with a goal from Alivia Kelly in the 88th minute, but Mali held on for the win.

With this result, Mali is now level with Ghana on three points, while Cameroon leads Group D with six points. Cape Verde remains at the bottom without any points, but their effort showed determination.

Both teams faced pressure after losing their opening matches. Mali lost to Cameroon, while Cape Verde fell to Ghana. This match was crucial, especially since Cape Verde had beaten Mali in the qualifiers.

In the 29th minute, Aissata Traore set up Kone for Mali’s first goal. Pereira’s equaliser for Cape Verde was significant as it marked their first-ever goal at the TotalEnergies WAFCON finals.

Mali took the lead again in the 50th minute with Niakate’s goal, thanks to another assist from Traore. Diarra’s third goal in the 79th minute seemed to seal the win, but Cape Verde’s late goal kept the match tense.

The victory keeps Mali in contention for the quarter-finals, while Cape Verde showed promise despite the loss.