Mali kicked off their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a gritty 1-0 victory over Tanzania on Monday, July 7, in Berkane.
The tightly contested encounter at the Municipal Stadium was decided by a crucial first-half strike from Saratou Traoré.
The final fixture of the tournament’s opening round saw Mali’s Eagle Ladies lock horns with the Twiga Stars of Tanzania in a clash filled with intensity and ambition.
Both sides began the match at a blistering pace, determined to set the tone early.
Tanzania carved out the first real chances of the game, with Jamila Mnunduka, Enekia Lunyamila, and Anastazia Katunzi all testing Mali’s shot-stopper Fatoumata Karentao.
The Malian goalkeeper stood tall under pressure, pulling off a series of vital saves to keep the score level.
Mali gradually grew into the match, responding with speculative efforts from distance through Agueissa Diarra and Saratou Traoré.
Their persistence paid off just before the interval. A free kick into the Tanzanian box caused confusion, and when the ball fell kindly to Traoré, she calmly dispatched it with a well-placed right-footed finish in stoppage time of the first half (45+1’).
The second half saw Tanzania ramp up the pressure in search of an equalizer. Stumai Athumani nearly leveled the score with a powerful header in the 56th minute, only to be denied by another fine save from Karentao, who remained a wall in Mali’s goal.
Tanzania brought on substitutes Minja and Kabambo to bolster their attack, and although they brought fresh energy and intent, the Twiga Stars lacked the finishing touch in the final third.
Despite relentless late pressure, they were unable to break through Mali’s disciplined defense.
With the win, Mali takes three valuable points from their Group Stage opener, while Tanzania will look to bounce back in their next outing.
