Traore strike edges Mali past Tanzania at Wafcon

A goal in first-half stoppage time by Saratou Traore was enough for Mali to edge a tight Group C encounter against Tanzania as both sides began their campaigns at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations.

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).

Returning to Wafcon after a 15-year absence, Tanzania would have hoped to call on two of their overseas stars Clara Luvanga and Aisha Masaka for this opening game.

Instead, the lowest-ranked side in Group C saw Brighton & Hove Albion forward Masaka drop out of the pre-tournament training camp with a knee injury, while Al-Nassr striker Luvanga was listed as absent, as opposed to injured, on the pre-match teamsheet.

Diminutive playmaker Diana Lucas was at the heart of the Twiga Stars' best work, looking especially bright on the ball in the early stages.

But as the red skies above the Berkane Stadium darkened, Mali began to get a grip on proceedings.

First Saratou Traore hooked wide after bundling her way into the box, before a slaloming run from Aissata Traore got the few fans in attendance on their feet, even if she ultimately dwelled too long on the ball and found herself crowded out by defenders.

Fatoumata Diarra then saw a long-range effort parried by Tanzania goalkeeper Najiati Idrisa, with Kadidiatou Diabate unable to convert the follow-up.

But Saratou Traore made no mistake with her goal, showing composure to keep a first-time effort down as it dropped invitingly into space after several bodies contested a set piece swung in from the right-hand touchline.

Tanzania had to wait until added time in the second half for their best opportunity, only to see Mali defender Aicha Samake put her body on the line to block a goal-bound shot from substitute Elizabeth Chenge.

That challenge ensured Mali, who finished fourth at the 2018 finals, kept their first ever Wafcon clean sheet, while also winning their opening game for the first time.

Tanzania, East Africa's only representative at the tournament, may play with admirable style, but will have to find a way to add some incision to their game if they hope to prolong their stay in Morocco.