Ghana opened Group D with a 2-0 victory over Women’s Africa Cup of Nations debutants Cape Verde in Casablanca, while Cameroon edged Mali 2-1 in the day’s other Group D match, according to the match report.
Cape Verde, who played their first international in 2018, fell behind after six minutes when Doris Boaduwaa finished from close range. Boaduwaa met a long lofted pass from Portia Boakye, allowed the ball to bounce and then lifted an angled right-footed shot over advancing goalkeeper Jacinta Rodrigues to put the Black Queens ahead.
The visitors held firm for much of the first half but went 2-0 down in the 54th minute when Eleia Vieira diverted Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah’s cross into her own net. Cape Verde saw midfielder Diana sent off in the second minute of stoppage time after appearing to step on youngster Linda Owusu Ansah’s Achilles, compounding a difficult afternoon for the islanders.
At the Moulay Rachid Stadium, Marie Ngah Manga scored twice as Cameroon beat Mali 2-1. Ngah Manga opened the scoring in the 14th minute by poking a right-footed effort beyond goalkeeper Fatoumata Karentao after meeting a long ball from Monique Ngock. Aïssata Traoré levelled from the penalty spot in the 30th minute after being fouled by Michaely Bihina; the referee spent about seven minutes consulting VAR before upholding the on-field decision, according to the report.
Mali captain Karentao made a key save in the 61st minute but was penalised eight minutes later for bringing down Ngah Manga, who converted the resulting spot kick for her second. Mali had a late chance to equalise in the seventh minute of stoppage time when Fatoumata Diarra fired straight at Bihina. The report singled out US-based Aliya Diagne for an encouraging defensive display.
The results leave Ghana top of Group D ahead of their next game against Cameroon, while Mali prepare to face Cape Verde in Casablanca on Sunday, according to the match report.
