Ngah Manga Brace Steers Cameroon to Hard-Fought WAFCON Victory Over Mali
The Cameroon Women’s National Team launched their tournament campaign with a gritty 2-1 victory over Mali at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
The Indomitable Lionesses relied on lethal counter-attacking efficiency to edge out their physical West African rivals in a tightly contested Group D opener.
This crucial victory immediately positions Cameroon in a favorable spot to challenge for a place in the knockout rounds.
Galatasaray forward Marie Gisèle Ngah Manga broke the deadlock in the 14th minute by sublimely chesting down a through ball and finishing with composure.
Mali answered back in the 30th minute when Boston Legacy FC striker Aïssata Traoré confidently converted a penalty following a foul by goalkeeper Michaely Bihina.
The decisive moment arrived in the 73rd minute when Ngah Manga earned and struck a powerful penalty of her own to complete her brace and seal the victory.
The result moves Cameroon straight into second place in Group D, sitting just behind Ghana on goal difference.
Mali, on the other hand, faces immense pressure and must win their next fixture to keep their continental tournament hopes alive.
The Indomitable Lionesses will look to carry this winning momentum into Saturday’s high-stakes blockbuster showdown against the Black Queens.
