Mali clinched a hard-fought 1-0 win over Tanzania in their Group C opener at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Berkane on Monday evening, boosting their chances of advancing in the expanded continental tournament.

The decisive goal came in first-half stoppage time through Saratou Traoré, who calmly slotted home from the centre of the box after a well-worked set-piece routine.

Her precise finish into the bottom right corner proved enough to separate the two sides in a match that was high on effort but short on goals.

Tanzania responded with urgency in the second half, carving out several clear opportunities. Stumai Athumani nearly levelled with a powerful header in the 56th minute, forcing a sharp save from Mali goalkeeper Fatoumata Karentao.

Elizabeth Chenge also came close later on, but Mali’s defence remained resolute.

Karentao delivered a standout performance, commanding her area with authority and making key saves to preserve her side’s slender advantage.

Despite Tanzania’s attacking push—particularly in stoppage time where they earned late free kicks and sustained pressure—they were unable to find a breakthrough.

Donisia Minja’s effort in the 95th minute sailed over the bar, ending their hopes of a late equaliser.

The win gives Mali a crucial three points in a tightly contested Group C, enhancing their prospects of progressing to the knockout stage. Tanzania, meanwhile, will need a response in their next fixture to stay in the hunt for qualification.

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Reigning champions South Africa opened their 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with an assured 2-0 victory over Ghana in their Group C opener on Monday in Oujda, Morocco.

First-half goals from Linda Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe sealed the win for Banyana Banyana, who wasted no time asserting their credentials as one of the favourites in the expanded 12-team tournament.

Coach Desiree Ellis’ side controlled the tempo from the onset and were rewarded in the 28th minute after a VAR review confirmed a penalty for a foul on Noxolo Cesane. Motlhalo calmly converted, sending Ghanaian goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan the wrong way.

Just six minutes later, South Africa doubled their lead through Seoposenwe, who latched onto a precise through ball from full-back Lebohang Ramalepe and finished clinically into the far corner.

Ghana, returning to the continental stage after missing the 2022 edition, struggled to cope with South Africa’s pace and organisation in the first half. Though the Black Queens showed more attacking intent after the break, they were left frustrated by missed opportunities. Evelyn Badu and Alice Kusi both rattled the crossbar, while South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini pulled off a string of important saves to maintain her clean sheet.

South Africa expertly managed the closing stages, introducing substitutes Hildah Magaia and Ronnel Donnelly to consolidate possession and stifle Ghana’s late attempts at a comeback.

The result extends South Africa’s strong record in WAFCON openers, with the team having now won their last three tournament curtain-raisers, including notable victories over Nigeria in 2018 and 2022.

Ghana must now regroup quickly, with crucial matches against Mali and Tanzania to come in a competitive Group C.

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For the first time in three consecutive editions, Nigeria’s Super Falcons have surged to the top of their group after just a match. This follows their 3-0 defeat of Tunisia on Sunday and the 1-0 win of Algeria over Botswana in the same Group B.

This is a far cry from the episodes of 2018 and 2022. The signs were there that a determined Super Falcons were set to break their patterns of first-match jitters as they stamped their authority early in the game.

What a fast start as Asisat Oshoala smashed a glancing header just four minutes into the game from an Omorinsola Babajide’s free kick.

Babajide, the assist provider to Asisat, then turned a scorer herself with a second goal in the added time of the first half.

Chiwendu Ihezuo completed the rout with her 84th-minute goal. The result is a momentum boostas the dominant performance and three early points give the Super Falcons breathing room in a group that includes unpredictable opponents.

So, the Mission X is activated,aiming for a record-extending 10th title. The mission has begun in style, boosting confidence for the knockout stages.

They will now face the third-placed Botswana on Thursday, while second-placed Algeria face the bottom-placed Tunisia in a North African derby.

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