Mali marked their return to Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Tanzania in Berkane on Tuesday and moved alongside South Africa at the top of the Group C standings.
Playing in their first finals since 2018, when they made it all the way to the semifinals, Mali were full value for their three points, although it was not an easy task overcoming the Twiga Stars.
Mali start their tournament with three points 🇲🇱🔥#HereForHer | #WAFCON2024 pic.twitter.com/McgYqlMTQf
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) July 7, 2025
Tanzania, the Cecafa champions, are making only their second appearance at the finals, and first since 2010, but showed little sign of nerves as they began strongly.
Mali goalkeeper Fatoumata Karentao made a superb one-handed stop to deny Tanzania’s Enekia Lunyamila, who had beaten the offside trap to get a touch to a probing pass from the wing in the 15th minute.
Mali took their time about establishing dominance, but once they did, were lively on attack but unable to get a clear shot away on their opponents’ goal until five minutes from time when Fatoumata Diarra fired a powerful effort that Tanzania goalkeeper Najiat Idrisa punched away.
But there was no stopping a snap effort from Saratou Traoré as seven minutes of stoppage time at the end of the first half began.
An immediate break from their French-based star Aïssata Traoré almost led to a second goal for Mali before the break, but some resolute tracking down saw her shot from close range blocked.
Tanzania almost snatched an equaliser in stoppage time at the end of the game but Elizabeth Chenge’s effort was blocked.
Earlier on Monday, defending champions South Africa won the opening Group C match against Ghana, scoring both their goals in the first half.
Banyana Banyana are next up against Tanzania in Oujda on Friday, while Mali stay in Berkane, where they will meet Ghana earlier the same day.
