Mali’s “Female Eagles” kicked off their CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2024 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tanzania’s “Twiga Stars” in a tightly contested Group C clash at the Stade Municipal de Berkane on Monday evening.

The narrow win gives Mali a crucial three points and sets them in a strong position as the tournament progresses.

The game’s solitary goal arrived in first-half stoppage time, a moment of clinical precision from Saratou Traoré.

Following a set-piece, Traoré capitalized on the opportunity, finding the bottom right corner of the net with a composed finish from the centre of the box.

This late first-half strike proved to be the decisive factor in a match where both sides battled fiercely but struggled for a breakthrough.

Tanzania, making only their second appearance at the WAFCON finals since 2010, showed resilience and created several opportunities to draw level, particularly in the second half.

Stumai Athumani forced a sharp, one-handed save from Mali’s agile goalkeeper, Fatoumata Karentao, with a powerful header in the 56th minute. Later, Elizabeth Chenge also saw her effort denied by the resolute Malian defence.

Despite sustained pressure, the Tanzanian attack was frequently caught offside, stifling their momentum in the final third.

Mali, playing their first WAFCON finals since 2018, displayed impressive discipline throughout the match. They expertly soaked up pressure and executed crucial defensive interventions, with goalkeeper Karentao emerging as a key figure.

Her multiple saves and commanding presence in the box were instrumental in preserving Mali’s slender lead.

The Twiga Stars pushed relentlessly in the dying minutes, winning late free kicks and throwing bodies forward in a desperate search for an equaliser.

Their final chance came in the 95th minute, but Donisia Minja’s left-footed strike from outside the box sailed over the crossbar, sealing their fate.

At the final whistle, it was Mali who celebrated, having held firm under intense pressure and made the most of their single, decisive opportunity.

This result places Mali alongside reigning champions South Africa at the top of Group C, after Banyana Banyana secured a 2-0 victory over Ghana earlier on Monday.

Tanzania’s next challenge will be against South Africa in Oujda on Friday, while Mali will remain in Berkane to face Ghana on the same day.

The Twiga Stars will be looking to bounce back and revive their hopes in what promises to be a highly competitive group.