WAFCON: Ghana and Mali Share the Spoils, South Africa Fights Back Against Tanzania
In a thrilling day at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Ghana and Mali battled to a tense 1-1 draw in Group C, while defending champions South Africa salvaged a point against Tanzania in another gripping encounter.
Ghana vs. Mali: A Match of Missed Opportunities
Ghana’s hopes of advancing to the quarter-finals remain precarious after they were held to a draw by West African rivals Mali at Stade Municipal de Berkane. The Black Queens, under pressure following a 2-0 defeat to South Africa in their opening match, started brightly and took the lead in the sixth minute through Alice Kusi. She capitalized on sustained pressure, firing home from close range after a near miss from Doris Boaduwaa.
Mali, who had won their opener against Tanzania, rallied after conceding and equalized in the 52nd minute. A clever through ball from Saratou Traoré found Aïssata Traoré, who slotted it home coolly, leveling the match.
Despite dominating possession and creating several chances—especially in the final 20 minutes—Ghana failed to find a winner, leaving them with just one point heading into their crucial final group match against Tanzania. Mali, meanwhile, sits on four points, with their quarter-final destiny now in their own hands.
South Africa vs. Tanzania: Defending Champions Fight Back
In another Group C clash, South Africa faced a tough challenge against Tanzania, who stunned the Banyana Banyana with an early goal. Opah Clement scored in the 24th minute, heading in from a set piece to give Tanzania a surprising lead.
Despite holding the advantage, Tanzania faced relentless pressure from South Africa, who struggled to find their rhythm. A double save by Tanzanian goalkeeper Najiat Idrisa kept South Africa at bay until the 70th minute when Bambanani Mbane equalized after a well-worked corner.
The match took a dramatic turn late in the game when Tanzanian midfielder Elizabeth Chenge received a second yellow card, leaving her team with ten players. South Africa pushed hard for a winner in stoppage time but could not break through, with Tanzania holding firm to secure a valuable point.
Looking Ahead
With the group finely poised, South Africa and Mali both sit on four points, while Ghana and Tanzania are left with one point each. The final round of fixtures promises to deliver high stakes as the teams vie for a place in the quarter-finals, showcasing the grit and competitiveness that defines this year’s WAFCON tournament.
