Mali and Cape Verde were level at 1-1 at half-time in their second match of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, after an intense and evenly balanced opening period in which both sides made a strong push for an advantage in the race for qualification.
Mali took the lead in the 29th minute when Oumou Kone finished a well-created opportunity from her team-mate Traore. The goal rewarded Mali’s efforts in a closely fought match and sparked celebrations among their supporters.
However, their advantage lasted only seven minutes. Cape Verde responded quickly and restored parity in the 36th minute through Evy Pereira, who found the net to bring the score back to 1-1.
The opening half was defined by the competitive nature of the contest, with neither side able to establish clear control for long periods. Mali’s breakthrough briefly gave them the upper hand, but Cape Verde’s immediate reaction ensured the teams went into the interval level.
Both selections entered the match seeking a result that could strengthen their hopes of progressing from the group. The intensity of the game reflected the importance of the second matchday, with Mali and Cape Verde battling to gain an advantage before the qualification picture develops further.
Mali’s opener came after Traore supplied the chance for Kone, who made no mistake in converting it in the 29th minute. The goal gave the Malian side a lead they had worked to secure in a tightly contested encounter.
Cape Verde, though, showed resilience by answering almost immediately. Pereira’s equaliser in the 36th minute prevented Mali from carrying their lead into half-time and left the teams with everything to play for in the second half.
At the break, the score remained 1-1, with Kone’s goal for Mali and Pereira’s response for Cape Verde separating the key moments of an energetic first 45 minutes.
