AWCON 2018: Bassira Toure hits brace as Mali stun lackluster Black Queens - Match report

Mali beat Ghana 2-1 in the second round of fixtures for Group A in the 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON) on Tuesday.

It was quite an even affair in the early exchanges with both sides keeping possession without really troubling the defenses.

The game took a twist midway through the half when the referee awarded Mali a controversial penalty after goalkeeper Patricia Mantey was adjudged to have fouled Bassira Toure in the box.

The Ghanaian shot-stopper was shown the yellow card for her part but replays however showed the decision was a dodgy one.

Toure stepped up and made no mistake from the spot to give the Malians a 1-0 lead.

The lackluster hosts seemed to have gotten the wake-up call they needed and suddenly burst into life causing problems for the Malians especially from the right flank but their resilient backline kept the score at 1-0 at halftime.

The Black Queens began the second half very much on the front foot with Portia Boakye coming close to restoring parity in the 46th minute but for a timely block in the box.

Sumaila Sherifatu also came agonizing close to finishing off her amazing solo effort but was denied by the finger tips of goalkeeper Konate.

Substitute Elizabeth Addo deservedly drew Ghana level from the spot in the 70th minute after she was fouled in the box.

Mali however restored their lead just few minutes later through Bassira Toure who made the most of a mix up and poor goalkeeping to go 2-1 in front.

The Malians held on to record their first win over Ghana at the AWCON and throw Group A wide open heading into the last round of fixtures.