Traore strike sees Mali edge past Tanzania at Wafcon

BBC News

19 hours ago

A goal in first-half injury time from Saratou Traore was enough to see Mali edge a tight Group C encounter against Tanzania as both sides began their campaigns at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon).In a game of contrasting styles, the Malians' extra pace and power ultimately won out against the pass-and-move tactics of their East African opponents, whose patient approach play lacked a cutting edge.Played in a largely empty stadium in Berkane, it was an encounter that struggled to set pulses racing.The only goal came in the first minute of stoppage time at the end of the first half, with midfielder Traore firing low into the net from just inside the penalty area as Tanzania failed to properly clear a free-kick.The Female Eagles had the better of the chances throughout the match, with Aissata Traore, who finished the match with her head wrapped in a white bandage, wasting several presentable opportunities.The West Africans join South Africa on three points in Group C after the defending champions beat Ghana 2-0 earlier on Monday.Tanzania, who have now lost all four of their games at Wafcon finals, will have a chance to improve their record when they face South Africa in Oujda on Friday (19:00 GMT), while Mali remain in Berkane to take on Ghana earlier the same day (16:00 GMT).