Marie Gisele Ngah Manga inspired Cameroon to a winning start at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scoring twice in a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Mali in their Group D opener on Wednesday.
The 23-year-old forward struck in each half, including the decisive goal from the penalty spot, as the Indomitable Lionesses extended their unbeaten record against Mali at WAFCON to six matches.
Cameroon made the brighter start and were rewarded in the 14th minute when Ngah Manga expertly controlled a cross from Monique Ngock before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner to hand her side an early lead.
Mali, however, responded before the break. Aïssata Traoré won a penalty in the 30th minute and confidently converted from the spot, sending her effort into the bottom left corner to restore parity. The teams went into halftime level at 1-1.
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The Indomitable Lionesses controlled much of the second half and were eventually handed a chance to regain the lead after winning a penalty. Ngah Manga stepped up and made no mistake, placing her effort beyond the goalkeeper’s reach to restore Cameroon’s advantage.
Mali pushed forward in the closing stages in search of an equaliser, but Cameroon remained resolute defensively to see out the victory and claim all three points.
The result leaves Cameroon second in Group D, behind Ghana only on goal difference after the Black Queens opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Cape Verde.
Attention now turns to Sunday’s fixtures, with Cameroon set to face Ghana in a potentially decisive top-of-the-table clash, while Mali will look to bounce back against Cape Verde as both sides chase crucial points in the race for the knockout stage.
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