WAFCON 2026: Cameroon Advance as Group D Blown Wide Open by Mali and Ghana Drama
Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses became the first side from Group D to secure a quarter-final spot after edging past Ghana 1-0 at the Moulay Rachid Stadium.
In-form striker Marie Gisèle Ngah Manga proved to be the hero once again, converting a decisive 19th-minute penalty after a crucial Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervention.
Despite heavy second-half pressure from Kim Björkegren’s Black Queens, the Cameroonian defensive block held firm to protect their perfect tournament record.
Meanwhile, Mali revived their own knockout ambitions by outlasting tournament debutants Cape Verde 3-2 in a five-goal thriller at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium.
Oumou Koné opened the scoring for the Female Eagles in the 29th minute, but Cape Verde’s Evy Pereira hit back shortly after to leave the match beautifully poised.
Following a frantic second-half exchange where both teams traded goals, Mali found a late clinical breakthrough to secure maximum points and eliminate the brave Blue Sharks.
These matchday two results completely shake up the group dynamic, leaving three teams actively fighting for the remaining qualification slots heading into the final round.
Cameroon sits comfortably at the top of the table with six points, while Ghana and Mali are locked in second place with three points apiece.
The stage is now set for a high-stakes, winner-takes-all showdown between Ghana and Mali this coming Wednesday.
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