Latest news with #AïssataTraoré
CAF
6 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
The Remarkable Journey of Aïssata Traore
She entered the press conference room at the Rabat Olympic Stadium with a beaming smile ahead of the CAF TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal clash between Morocco and Mali. Radiant and glowing, she exuded a calm yet resolute energy. Aïssata Traoré, the forward for Mali's women's national team, carries the aura of someone who knows exactly where she's headed—fully aware of the path she has taken and eager to embrace the present. The 2024 edition of the CAF TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations holds special significance for her. Her equalizing goal against Ghana (1–1)—a pivotal moment that reignited Malian hopes—remains fresh in everyone's memory. 'That goal was for an entire nation, for my family, and for everyone who believes in us,' she shared with heartfelt sincerity. At just 27 years old, the Fleury 91 striker already boasts a wealth of international experience. Her first WAFCON appearance dates back to 2018, when Mali came close to finishing on the podium—a bittersweet memory that still fuels her ambition. Since then, she has grown immensely, both personally and professionally. Her recent transfer to Boston in the United States marks a major turning point in her career. Transitioning from the African scene to the North American league—renowned for its intensity and professionalism—is more than just a club move; it's a new chapter in a different culture, pace, and environment. 'It's not just a change of club—it's a change of continent, culture, and rhythm. But I'm ready. After this tournament, I'll take the time to fully process everything,' she says with admirable maturity. For now, however, Aïssata remains fully focused on her mission with the Malian Eagles. She embodies the competitive spirit fused with national pride. 'This quarterfinal against Morocco is more than just a match. It's a battle—an opportunity to showcase a different image of women's football in Mali.' She emphasizes the importance of commitment and desire. 'On the field, it's not just about tactics or fitness. It's about hunger and determination. If we want it more than the opponent, we have every chance to win.' Despite the mounting pressure and fatigue at this stage of the tournament, Aïssata and her teammates display unshakeable mental strength. The weight of the nation rests on their shoulders, but it only pushes them to go beyond their limits. 'We must give it our all. If it means leaving our bodies—or even our souls—on the pitch, we'll do it. To make our families and our people proud.' This message of sacrifice and passion resonates deeply, as Aïssata is playing not just for herself, but for the future of women's football in Mali. 'I don't know if I'll have the chance to play another WAFCON, so I'm determined to be as impactful as possible. This tournament is a unique opportunity for all of us.' She also draws strength from the support of Malian fans in Morocco, hoping to see them turn out in numbers on matchday their voices a powerful force that could propel the team to victory. In essence, Aïssata Traoré is far more than a talented footballer. She is living proof that with hard work, determination, and a genuine smile, one can transform not only their own destiny, but that of a nation. Her journey from her first WAFCON appearance in 2018 to her new challenge in Boston, is a source of inspiration for every young girl who dreams of playing football.
CAF
11-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Ghana and Mali share the spoils in intense Group C clash
Published: Friday, 11 July 2025 Ghana's hopes of reaching the quarter-finals of the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations remain in the balance after a 1-1 draw with West African rivals Mali in a fiercely contested Group C encounter at Stade Municipal de Berkane on Friday. A goal in each half from Alice Kusi and Aïssata Traoré meant both sides walked away with a point in a match that neither could afford to lose, but will feel they might have won. After a disappointing 2-0 loss to South Africa in their opening game, the Black Queens came into this fixture under pressure and made a blistering start. Their early dominance was rewarded in the sixth minute when Kusi capitalised on sustained pressure to fire home from close range after Doris Boaduwaa's header had narrowly missed seconds earlier. Mali, who had edged Tanzania in their opener, looked rattled but gradually grew into the game, with their attacking trio of Saratou Traoré, Aïssata Traoré and Agueissa Diarra posing constant threats on the break. Ghana missed a flurry of chances to extend their lead before half-time. Boaduwaa, Kusi and Evelyn Badu all came close, only to be denied by a combination of poor finishing and excellent goalkeeping from Fatoumata Karentao. Mali came out of the break with renewed purpose and found the equaliser in the 52nd minute when Saratou Traoré's incisive through ball split the Ghana defence and was coolly slotted home by Aïssata Traoré. From there, the match opened up, with Ghana pushing forward in waves. Princella Adubea, Grace Asantewaa and Jennifer Cudjoe all went close as the Black Queens hunted a winner, but Karentao stood firm. Despite dominating possession and chances—particularly in the final 20 minutes—Kim Björkegren's side were unable to find a breakthrough, and now sit on one point heading into a do-or-die final group match. For Mali, the result puts them on four points and keeps them firmly in contention for a quarter-final berth, with their destiny in their own hands. Ghana, meanwhile, must beat Tanzania and hope for favourable results elsewhere. In a match billed as a must-win for both sides, it ended in frustration and uncertainty—but also showcased the grit and competitiveness that defines WAFCON's Group of Death.
Morocco World
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Mali vs Tanzania: Preview & Predicted Score
Mali and Tanzania meet in Berkane today for their first game in Group C at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco. Kick-off is at 8 p.m. Moroccan time (GMT+1), and fans can catch the action live on beIN Sport, CANAL+, New WorldTV, SuperSport, Azam Media, SABC, Ziggo, BAND, SportTV, and Arena Sport. It's a chance for both teams to get their campaign off to a strong start in a tricky group that also includes South Africa and Ghana. The two sides haven't met in this tournament since 2010 when Mali edged a wild 3-2 win – a match remembered for four goals in just seven first-half minutes. But that was a long time ago, and plenty has changed since. Mali are hoping to recapture the form that saw them reach the semi-finals in 2018, their best-ever finish. They looked sharp in qualifying, scoring 20 goals and conceding only three. With PSG's Agueicha Diarra in goalscoring form – she netted eight times during qualifying – and Fleury 91 midfielder Aïssata Traoré bringing French experience, there's optimism in the camp. Coach Mohamed Saloum says his side are 'ready, focused and eager to go far', while Traoré insists they're aiming to start strong and show they mean business. Tanzania, meanwhile, are back at WAFCON for the first time since 2010 – and they know they're carrying the hopes of East Africa as the region's only representative. Head coach Bakari Shime has praised the squad's preparation and says the team are in a good place mentally ahead of the opener. They'll be missing two key players though: Clement Opah, who is suspended, and striker Clara Luvanga, who didn't take part in Sunday's training and is under medical observation. Vice-captain Anastazia Katunzi says the team are excited to be back on the continental stage and are fully focused on executing the game plan they've been working on. This is only Tanzania's third appearance at WAFCON and they've never made it past the group stage. But with experienced names like Stumai Abdallah, Aisha Mnuka and Elizabeth Chenge in the mix, they'll fancy their chances of causing a few problems. Interestingly, the two sides met recently in a friendly in Dar es Salaam which ended 2-2 – so there's very little between them on paper. Mali might be the favourites, but Tanzania won't roll over. Score prediction: Mali are stronger on paper. They scored 20 goals in qualifiers and have the tournament's top scorer, Agueicha Diarra. Their defence is solid too, letting in just three goals. Tanzania are motivated but missing key players, and they're up against a more experienced side. Unless they defend really well, Mali should win this comfortably. MWN says Mali 2–0 Tanzania Tags: maliTanzaniaWAFCONWOmen's Africa Cup of Nations
CAF
07-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Mali, Tanzania face off in battle for redemption
As the sun prepares to set in Berkane on Monday, July 7, the second Group C fixture will get underway with 2018 semifinalists Mali taking on East African side Tanzania at 8:00pm (local time) at the ongoing TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The two teams faced off in 2010 when Tanzania played at their first ever WAFCON with the West Africans emerging as victors following a 3-2 win in a closely-contested second Group A tie. Back then, four goals were scored between the 25th and 32nd minutes with each of the two teams scoring a brace. A lot has changed since then. Mali missed the next two editions before returning for the WAFCON 2016 where they did not make it past the group stages. Les Aigles then went on to reach the semifinals two years later in Ghana where they eventually finished fourth – their highest finish in the history of the continental competition. For Tanzania, this is their first return to the continent's biggest showpiece since 2010. Opportunities anew When they walk out of the tunnel, it will be for the eighth time in 13 editions. Only once have they made it past the group stages. Mali want to put this lacklustre record behind them and at this year's edition, they have a brand new chance to remind everyone that they belong here. They want to return to the podium. But first, they must take on a stubborn Tanzania side that is desperate to make a mark on the continent. With 20 goals under their belt in two rounds of qualifying, Mali are a team that like to express themselves in front of goal. Conceding only thrice, their discipline at the back is also a standout virtue that sets them apart from the pretenders. 'It is always an honour to represent our nation. We are ready to start on a high note in our opening game against Tanzania. This is a big stage but we are here to mean business,' says Aïssata Traoré, the Fleury 91 midfielder who brings the French first division experience to the WAFCON. Her coach Mohamed Saloum adds with confidence, 'The mission is one. We want to go far in this competition. Our plan is to take it one day at a time. We are prepared mentally, physically and ready to get started. Tanzania is an organized team but we also have talented players and our goal is to play as a team. We are in the right mind space and know what we need to do to excel.' Saloum will be relying on PSG's Agueicha Diarra, who netted an impressive eight goals in qualification leading all scorers on the continent, to bring her experience into the team fold against Tanzania in pursuit of an early three points in Group C. East Africa's flagbearers Being the only team from the East African region means that Tanzania are not representing just themselves but the entire CECAFA bloc. They are wearing a regional responsibility that means they must deliver in a tricky Group C that also has the reigning African champions South Africa and West African giants Ghana. 'We are back to the WAFCON. It has been a really long time since we were here. The morale is very high within the camp. We face Mali in our opening game and for us as a team, this will be our first appearance. The coach has done his job, we started our preparations a long time ago and now it is the perfect time to execute on everything that we have been told,' explained Anastazia Katunzi, the vice captain of the Twiga Stars. Tanzania, however, will be without star players Clement Opa who is suspended for this tie as well as Clara Luvanga who did not take part in Sunday's training at the Terrain Centre Federal in Saidia where the team has their base and is under review by the medical team. Opa netted three goals in qualification including one against Côte d'Ivoire and a brace past Togo in the final round of qualification. Head coach Bakari Shime will have to rely on the evergreen Stumai Abdallah, Aisha Mnuka, Jamila Rajab and Elizabeth Chenge to bring a spark to this encounter against Mali.
CAF
26-06-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Aïssata Traoré (Mali): "During our absence, we never doubted"
Seven years after Mali's last appearance at the TotalEnergies CAF Women's AFCON, Aïssata Traoré returns with fire in her belly and one goal in mind: proving that the 2018 story was only the beginning. At 27, she combines maturity and sharpness. She heads to Morocco in peak form, driven by a consistency that commands respect. Up against the defending South African champions, Ghana, and Tanzania, Mali's No. 10 knows every ball will count. She has a frank gaze, a direct way of speaking, and the kind of dribbling that can flip a match on its head. At 27, Aïssata Traoré is no longer just the future of Malian football — she is its present. She's about to return to the stage she never wanted to leave: the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Seven years after the historic 2018 run in Ghana that ended in a semi-final, the striker is back with a clear goal: to take the 'Aiglonnes' even further. After five seasons at Guingamp, she reached a new level with her move to Fleury in the summer of 2024. In a highly ambitious squad, she quickly became the spearhead of the attack: 9 goals and 4 assists in 20 D1 Arkema matches, including 19 starts. The stats speak for themselves — but they don't tell the full story of her impact: her off-the-ball movement, her ability to involve teammates, and her defensive work ethic make her a complete player. The Malian international knows the pride — and pain — that comes with wearing the national jersey. She hasn't forgotten the frustration of 2022, when Mali failed to qualify and had to watch the tournament from the sidelines. But she turned that disappointment into fuel. 'No one ever doubted,' she says calmly. 'When you work hard, there's no room for doubt.' And Mali has been working. Now drawn into Group C alongside South Africa, Ghana, and Tanzania, the team knows there will be no easing into the tournament. For Aïssata Traoré, it will be a moment of truth. She'll lead a dangerous frontline that includes Agueicha Diarra. Together, they represent the rebirth of a generation that has been away from top-tier African football for too long. As the TotalEnergies CAF Women's AFCON approaches, Aïssata Traoré shares her goals and ambitions in this interview with You were part of Mali's last run at the TotalEnergies CAF Women's AFCON in 2018 in Ghana. What do you remember most from that experience? Aïssata Traoré: I have very good memories — amazing, even. We reached the semi-finals, which was a first for most of us. It was a very positive and unforgettable experience. But in the last edition, Mali wasn't there. As an international player, how did you experience that absence? It was incredibly frustrating. I really wanted to play in that WAFCON, but unfortunately, we didn't qualify. Watching other teams on TV, from home… that left a bitter feeling. It's not an easy thing to go through. Seven years later, Mali is back and making a strong return. What does this comeback mean to you, and why do you think it's happening now? This return shows we never stopped working. After our last appearance, we kept moving forward as a group. No one gave up. We stayed united. We knew qualifying would be tough, but we kept listening to each other, pushing ourselves, working hard — and in the end, it paid off. So yes, this comeback is very satisfying. What was the most difficult part of that rebuilding period? Did you ever doubt that Mali would return to this level? Honestly, no. Mali is a powerhouse in African women's football. Finishing fourth in 2018 wasn't a fluke. So yes, we told ourselves we had to come back — that we couldn't remain absent. No one doubted. And when you work the right way, there's no space for doubt. How is this upcoming tournament different from the one you played in 2018? Very different. In 2018, it was my first WAFCON. I gained a lot of experience and lived through intense emotions. Now I return with that experience, and I'm surrounded by new players who bring so much to the team. And the context has changed — in 2018 we were in Ghana, this time it's Morocco. Different country, different culture. We'll have to adapt, but we're ready. Mali is in Group C with South Africa, Ghana, and Tanzania. What's your take on that group? It's a very tough group. Every team will bring their best. There are no favourites — anyone can qualify, and anyone can go home after the group stage. The key will be to start strong, right from the first match, no matter the opponent. We have to be ready to give everything. What are Mali's ambitions for this TotalEnergies CAF Women's AFCON? Mali is an ambitious country. We didn't qualify just to participate. We want to go as far as possible in this competition. That begins with managing our first matches well. Then we'll move forward step by step. But yes, our goal is to go far. Mali has serious attacking weapons. How would you describe the team's offensive chemistry? And what do you personally want to contribute? I want to be as decisive as possible — to contribute offensively, of course, but also defensively. A good attack starts with a good defense. So I also want to help in that area — be present in both boxes, be effective at both ends of the pitch. We're a team. And to go far, we need to score a lot… and concede little, or nothing at all. That's where we'll focus. You seem to have great game awareness — we can almost see the future coach in you. (laughs): Maybe! A future coach… why not? Finally, if you could speak to the younger Aïssata from ten years ago — the one playing football in the street — what would you tell her? I'd tell her to enjoy herself. To play like a kid, without overthinking — just for the love of the game. Not to listen too much to outside noise, and to stay focused on her passion. Because at the end of the day, playing football is a privilege — not everyone gets to do it. So yes, just have fun, play with your friends in the street — that's what really matters.
