Cameroon kicked off their WAFCON 2026 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Mali in an entertaining Group D encounter at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

Marie Ngah Manga handed the Indomitable Lionesses the lead in the 14th minute before Mali responded through Aissata Traoré, who converted from the penalty spot in the 30th minute to level proceedings.

With both sides locked at 1-1 heading into the second half, Cameroon continued to press for a winner and were rewarded in the 73rd minute when Ngah Manga calmly converted a penalty to complete her brace.

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Mali searched for a late equaliser, but the Cameroonians held firm to secure all three points in their opening match.

The result leaves Cameroon level on points with Ghana at the top of Group D, setting up an eagerly anticipated clash between the two sides in the next round of fixtures.



PAH/JKB