Mali reignited their WAFCON 2026 campaign with an entertaining 3-2 victory over Cape Verde in a five-goal Group D thriller.

Oumou Koné gave Mali the lead just before the half-hour mark, but Cape Verde made history seven minutes later when Eveline Varela scored the nation's first-ever goal at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations to level the contest.

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The Eagles restored their advantage early in the second half through Fatoumata Niakaté before Fatoumata Diarra added a crucial third goal in the 79th minute.

Cape Verde refused to surrender, with Alivia Kelly pulling one back late to set up a tense finish, but Mali held on to claim their first victory of the tournament.

PAH/JKB