Senegal and Cameroon Boost Quarter-Final Hopes With WAFCON Wins

Posted : 31 July 2026

Senegal and Cameroon recorded crucial victories at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Thursday, moving closer to securing places in the quarter-finals.

In Group A, Senegal claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kenya thanks to an early goal from Seynabou Mbengue. The win was an important response after Senegal's previous defeat to Algeria and leaves their qualification hopes firmly in their own hands.

Senegal started brightly and broke the deadlock when Bineta Seck found Mbengue in space. The forward finished confidently past Kenya goalkeeper Lilian Awuor to score what proved to be the winning goal.

Kenya responded well before the break and almost equalised through captain Mwanalima Jereko, whose long-range effort narrowly cleared the crossbar. Senegal also came close to extending their advantage, but Awuor produced an excellent save to deny Ndeye Awa Casset before the ball struck the crossbar.

The Harambee Starlets continued to push after the interval. Fasila Omondi tested goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye early in the second half, while substitute Marion Serenge missed a golden opportunity in the 62nd minute after firing wide with the goal at her mercy.

Kenya came closest to scoring late in the match when Tereza Obunyu struck the woodwork. Jereko reacted quickest to the rebound, but Ndiaye made a superb save to preserve Senegal's narrow lead.

The victory leaves Senegal in a strong position ahead of a decisive Group A meeting with tournament hosts Morocco. Kenya, meanwhile, suffered a second consecutive defeat and now face a difficult battle to keep their knockout hopes alive.

In Group D, Cameroon defeated Mali 2-1 in Casablanca with Ngah Manga scoring both goals for the Indomitable Lionesses.

Cameroon opened the scoring in the 14th minute after Manga controlled a lofted pass before finishing calmly at the near post. Mali fought back and equalised in the 30th minute when Aïssata Traoré converted a penalty after goalkeeper Michaely Bihina fouled her inside the box.

With the match evenly balanced, Cameroon regained the lead in the 72nd minute. A VAR review awarded another penalty, and Manga confidently converted from the spot to complete her brace and secure all three points.

Mali pressed for another equaliser during the closing stages, but Cameroon defended well to hold on for victory. The result extends Cameroon's impressive recent record against Mali and strengthens their bid for a place in the quarter-finals ahead of their final group match against Ghana.

Mali will now look to revive their campaign when they face Cape Verde in their final Group D fixture.

Senegal and Cameroon Boost Quarter-Final Hopes With WAFCON Wins

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