Mali pulled off an incredible upset over host nation Ghana, beating the Black Queens 2-1 in the second round of games in Group A at the ongoing 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Tuesday afternoon.
Striker Bassira Toure got both goals for Les Aiglonnes while Elizabeth Addo came off the bench to score a penalty in between the former’s strikes.
In his starting line-up, Ghana coach Bashir Hayford effected two significant changes, dropping his two forwards – Samira Suleman and Elizabeth Addo – who failed to glitter in the opening match against Algeria. They made way for Jane Ayieyam and Grace Asantewaa.
Mali did same number of changes. Bintou Koite could not meet the match fitness requirement after picking a knock against Cameroon. Lala Dicko took her place while Aissatou Diadhiou also slotted in for Kani Konte.
Les Aiglonnes got the game underway at the Accra Sports Stadium but Ghana soon seized possession and dominated play. The Black Queens had Portia Boakye forcing goalkeeper Adoudou Konate into pushing the ball away for a corner.
Long-range efforts from Grace Asantewaa and captain of the day Priscilla Okyere were not threatening enough for the Malian keeper who coolly collected both shots.
Mali’s first threat against Ghana came in the 15th minute when goalkeeper Patricia Mantey made a big deal out of a less-threatening shot as the ball came off her hands for a corner kick.
Les Aiglonnes broke away on a counter attack in the 23rd minute. Aissata Traore raced down the left side of attack and squared the ball to Bassira Toure but she got impeded by the onrushing Mantey right in front of eSwatini referee Leticia Antonella Viana who pointed straight to the spot.
Toure elected herself and expertly placed the ball at the bling side of the Ghana goalkeeper for the opening goal.
Ghana pushed for the equalizer but were not threatening enough on goal till halftime break.
Elizabeth Addo was introduced in the 64th minute for Priscilla Okyere and it took her some six minutes to get the Queens back into the game with a converted penalty.
But Mali had other ideas as they restored the lead after another spill by the Ghana goalkeeper. Bassira Toure found herself at the right place and time to hit home her brace
Ghana huffed and puffed in search for another equalizer but Les Aiglonnes were resolute in keeping their 2-1 lead and recorded their first ever victory over Ghana in four attempts at the Women’s Nations Cup.
Both Ghana and Mali are now on three points after two games. Cameroon face Algeria in the second game of the day at 18:30 GMT.
Mali’s Bassira Toure emerged Player of the Match.
📽 HIGHLIGHTS .. Ghana 1-2 Mali
Group A #TotalAWCON18 pic.twitter.com/Kn4CfQ9583— Total Women's Africa Cup of Nations (@CAF_AWCON) November 20, 2018
