Cameroon began their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 campaign with a 2-1 victory over Mali in Casablanca, as Marie Gisele Ngah Manga struck twice to secure all three points for the Lionnes Indomptables.
The forward was the decisive figure at the Stade Larbi Zaouli on Wednesday, scoring in each half to ensure Cameroon made a winning start to the tournament, despite being pegged back before the interval.
Cameroon moved in front after just 14 minutes. Ngah Manga latched on to a pass threaded between two Malian defenders and finished with a precise shot to give her side an early advantage.
Mali responded on the half-hour mark. Awarded a penalty, they levelled when Aissata Traore converted from the spot, sending the teams into half-time tied at 1-1.
After the break, Cameroon pushed to restore their lead and were rewarded midway through the second period. Ngah Manga was fouled in the area by Mali goalkeeper Fatimatou Karentao, earning a penalty for the Central Africans.
The Cameroon striker took responsibility herself and calmly scored from the spot in the 73rd minute, completing her brace and putting her team back in front.
Mali were unable to find another equaliser in the closing stages, and Cameroon saw out the match to claim a narrow but deserved win in their opening group fixture.
The result gives the Lionnes Indomptables an ideal platform at the start of their Women’s Afcon 2026 campaign, while Mali will need to recover quickly and look for a positive response in their next outing.
