{"id":18112,"date":"2026-08-03T09:27:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-03T06:27:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/news\/?p=18112"},"modified":"2026-08-03T09:52:48","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T06:52:48","slug":"mali-edge-cape-verde-in-five-goal-wafcon-thriller","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/news\/sports-betting-news\/mali-edge-cape-verde-in-five-goal-wafcon-thriller\/","title":{"rendered":"Mali Edge Cape Verde in Five-Goal WAFCON Thriller"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Mali Women produced a spirited display to defeat Cape Verde Women 3-2<\/strong> in a thrilling 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)<\/strong> Group Stage encounter. The West Africans looked comfortable after opening a two-goal cushion in the second half before Cape Verde mounted a late comeback that nearly stunned the Malian side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The victory gives Mali a massive boost in their quest to progress from the group stage, while Cape Verde are left with plenty of positives despite falling just short in a dramatic finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kone Gives Mali the Perfect Start<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mali started brightly and controlled possession during the opening exchanges. Their pressure finally paid off in the 29th minute<\/strong> when Oumou Kone<\/strong> finished brilliantly after being set up by A\u00efssata Traore<\/strong>, handing Mali a deserved 1-0 lead<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cape Verde responded positively and found an equalizer just seven minutes later. Eliane Pereira<\/strong> capitalized on an opportunity in the 36th minute<\/strong>, restoring parity and ensuring both sides headed into halftime level at 1-1<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first half showcased attacking intent from both teams, setting the stage for an entertaining second period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Mali
Photo courtesy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mali Dominate the Second Half<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mali emerged from the break with renewed determination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just five minutes into the second half, Fatoumata Niakate<\/strong> restored Mali’s advantage in the 50th minute<\/strong>, once again benefiting from excellent creativity by A\u00efssata Traore<\/strong>, who registered her second assist of the evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The substitutions injected fresh energy into the Malian attack, and their persistence paid off again in the 79th minute<\/strong> when substitute Fatoumata Diarra<\/strong> calmly finished from an Oumou Sissoko<\/strong> assist to extend the lead to 3-1<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At that point, Mali appeared firmly in control of the contest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cape Verde Fight Until the Final Whistle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cape Verde refused to surrender despite trailing by two goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Substitute Andreia Kelly<\/strong> made an immediate impact, reducing the deficit in the 88th minute<\/strong> after being assisted by N\u00e1dia Whanon<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kelly continued to trouble Mali’s defense and found the net again deep into stoppage time, making it 3-2<\/strong> in the 90+2nd minute<\/strong> and creating a tense finale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, Mali remained composed for the remainder of the match, making late substitutions to protect their advantage before the referee finally blew for full time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Mali
Photo courtesy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Key Match Performers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Several players stood out in an entertaining contest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n