{"id":11814,"date":"2026-07-30T09:13:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-30T06:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/tz\/news\/?p=11814"},"modified":"2026-07-30T12:38:34","modified_gmt":"2026-07-30T09:38:34","slug":"cameroon-women-beat-mali-2-1-in-wafcon-2026-opener","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/tz\/news\/cameroon-women-beat-mali-2-1-in-wafcon-2026-opener\/","title":{"rendered":"Cameroon Women Beat Mali 2-1 in WAFCON 2026 Opener\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Cameroon Women kicked off their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Mali Women, thanks to a clinical brace from striker Ngah.<\/strong> In a fiercely contested Group Round 1 encounter, the Indomitable Lionesses showed resilience by recovering from Mali’s equalizer before sealing all three points from the penalty spot in the second half.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The entertaining contest featured early attacking football, disciplined defending, and moments of individual brilliance, setting the tone for what promises to be another thrilling WAFCON tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cameroon Strikes First Through Ngah<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cameroon started brightly and took the lead in the 14th minute<\/strong> when Ngah<\/strong> calmly finished after an excellent assist from Ngock M.<\/strong> The goal rewarded the Lionesses for their aggressive pressing and attacking intent during the opening stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mali attempted to respond immediately, but Cameroon controlled possession well while limiting clear scoring opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the momentum briefly shifted when Cameroon midfielder Bihina M.<\/strong> was shown a yellow card in the 21st minute, giving Mali confidence to push forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Mali Equalizes from the Penalty Spot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The West Africans found their breakthrough in the 30th minute<\/strong> after winning a penalty. Traore A.<\/strong> stepped up confidently and converted from the spot to level the match at 1-1<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just two minutes later, Cameroon defender Mayi Kith E.<\/strong> was shown a yellow card, highlighting the increasingly physical nature of the contest as both sides battled for control before halftime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first half ended evenly balanced, with both teams showing determination and tactical discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tactical Changes Spark Cameroon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Cameroon head coach made two immediate substitutions at halftime, introducing Ngueleu N.<\/strong> and Abam M.<\/strong> to inject fresh energy into the attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The changes helped Cameroon regain control, with the Lionesses creating more chances and forcing Mali deeper into their own half.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although Mali defended well for much of the second period, Cameroon maintained sustained pressure in search of the winning goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Ngah Delivers the Winner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The decisive moment arrived in the 73rd minute<\/strong> when Cameroon were awarded a penalty after sustained attacking pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once again, Ngah<\/strong> kept her composure, converting confidently from the spot to restore Cameroon’s lead and complete her impressive brace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mali introduced fresh legs in the closing stages through Diabate K., Kone O.,<\/strong> and Diarra F.<\/strong>, but Cameroon defended resolutely to protect their advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite late injury concerns for goalscorer Ngah, the Lionesses managed the remaining minutes professionally to secure an important opening victory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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