Burkina Faso and Mali women’s teams play out draw in CAN 2026 warm-up
The Burkina Faso women’s national football team concluded another round of friendly matches ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (CAN). After a scoreless draw in their first encounter, the Burkina Faso Étalons Dames and Mali Aiglonnes faced off once more on June 7, 2026, at the Stade du 4 Août in Ouagadougou, ending in a 2-2 stalemate.
The Mali side struck first with a goal from Fatoumata Diarra in the 10th minute, giving the Aiglonnes an early advantage. The Burkina Faso players remained composed, regaining control of the match with strong ball possession and relentless pressure on the Mali defense.
A rebound off the crossbar presented an opportunity for Deborah Guira, who slotted the ball into the net, restoring parity (1-1). The intensity of the game escalated as both teams fought for dominance, showcasing technical skill and tactical awareness.
The Étalons Dames took the lead just before halftime. Judicaëlle Ouoba capitalized on a well-built attack, firing a shot into the top corner that the Mali goalkeeper had no chance of stopping. The score stood at 2-1 in favor of Burkina Faso as the teams headed into the break.
A late comeback from Mali
In the second half, Burkina Faso maintained greater control of possession, while Mali pushed forward in search of an equalizer. The Aiglonnes finally found their way back into the game when Aissata Traoré converted a penalty kick, knotting the score at 2-2 with just minutes remaining. Neither team managed to break the deadlock before the final whistle.
The two matches serve as critical preparation for the upcoming Women’s CAN, scheduled to take place in Morocco from July 25 to August 16, 2026. The Burkina Faso team is placed in a tough group alongside Ivory Coast, Tanzania, and South Africa. Meanwhile, Mali will compete against Ghana, Cape Verde, and Cameroon in their group.
Under the guidance of head coach Pascal Sawadogo, the Burkina Faso women’s team continues to fine-tune their tactics and cohesion ahead of the continental tournament. These friendly fixtures provide essential experience, allowing players to adapt to high-pressure scenarios before the official competition begins.
