Mali – WAFCON Team Profile

by Staff Reporter

Thursday Jun 26, 2025. 10:00

As a nation yet to taste success at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Mali will have their work cut out for them as they gear up for a tense Group C affair in Morocco next month.

Dubbed ‘The Female Eagles’, Mali will compete in their 8th WAFCON this year after missing out on the 2022 showpiece which was likewise held in Morocco.

Mali’s best placing at the WAFCON came in 2018, where they progressed from Group A that comprised of nations such as Cameroon, Ghana and Algeria. In facing stiff competition, Mali bagged memorable victories against both Ghana and Algeria before advancing to the knockout phase of the tournament.

Nevertheless, Mali suffered a 2-0 loss against South Africa in the semi-finals, before jotting down a 4-2 defeat against Cameroon in the Third place fixture.

In this year’s tournament, Mali have been drawn alongside Ghana, Tanzania and reigning champions South Africa in Group C.

As a star player of the Mali national team, Aissata Traore is expected to play an important role in the middle of the park at the tournament.

Traore currently plies her trade for FC Fleury in France and is known for her educated left-foot, while being a quiet leader around the squad.

Also, Paris Saint-Germain forward Agueissa Diarra is tipped to lead the line at the competition next month. The explosive attacker was at her best during the 2024 qualifiers, most notably after netting an impressive hat-trick against Central Africa Republic.

Reflecting on the upcoming WAFCON, Mali national team coach Mohamed ‘Housseï’ Saloum believes that his side are on the rise.

“People are already calling it the “group of death.” But Mali thrives on challenges. South Africa is the reigning champion, Ghana is a historic powerhouse, and Tanzania is improving quickly,” Saloum expressed, as per the CAF Official website.

“In 2018, we were the ones who eliminated Ghana. We want to prove ourselves again. Our players are on the rise, and this AFCON will be an opportunity to show where we stand.”

Mali are yet to announce their squad for the WAFCON showpiece.