Mali claimed a vital 1-0 win over Tanzania in their opening Group C fixture at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, a result that has significant implications for Ghana’s Black Queens.
Saratou Traoré scored the only goal of the match in first-half stoppage time, finishing calmly from the centre of the box after a well-worked set piece. It proved to be enough in a tightly contested clash at the Stade Municipal de Berkane on Monday evening.
Tanzania had several chances to equalise in the second half but were denied by Mali goalkeeper Fatoumata Karentao, who produced a string of solid saves and controlled her area with authority. The East Africans also struggled with their final delivery and were frequently caught offside.
Mali’s victory lifts them into second place in Group C behind South Africa, who beat Ghana 2-0 earlier in the day. The result puts the Black Queens under immediate pressure ahead of their second group match against Mali, a fixture that now carries added weight.
With only the top two and the best third-placed teams progressing, Ghana must get a result against Mali to keep their qualification hopes alive. Another defeat could leave them with an uphill task when they face Tanzania in their final group game.
Coach Kim’s side will now need to respond with urgency, knowing that Mali have already shown the ability to manage games and take their chances.
