The Etalons ladies concluded another series of friendly preparation matches for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (CAN féminine). After a goalless draw (0-0), Burkina Faso and Mali once again shared the spoils with a 2-2 scoreline on Sunday, 7 June 2026 at the Stade du 4 Août in Ouagadougou.
The Malian side struck first in this friendly encounter. In the 10th minute, Fatoumata Diarra gave the Aiglonnes of Mali the lead (0-1). The Etalons remained calm and regrouped. They took control of possession and made the Malians chase the ball.
Following a shot that hit the crossbar, Deborah Guira, well-positioned, tucked the rebound into the net (1-1). It was the equaliser.
Despite the technical quality of the Aiglonnes, the Burkinabe imposed their style. Through another well-crafted move, Judicaëlle Ouoba sent the ball into the top corner. The Malian goalkeeper stood no chance. The players of coach Pascal Sawadogo took the lead (2-1). That remained the score at halftime.
Mali fight back to level
In the second half, the Etalons enjoyed better ball possession while Mali attacked without managing to break down the Burkinabe defensive organisation.
Eventually, a penalty converted by Aissata Traoré brought Mali back to parity (2-2). That would be the final score, even though both teams pushed until the final whistle.
In the first meeting, the two sides had also settled for a goalless draw (0-0). These matches are part of preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals scheduled for Morocco.
Burkina Faso are in the same group as Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania and South Africa. Mali share a group with Ghana, Cape Verde and Cameroon.
The tournament is set to run from 25 July to 16 August 2026. This friendly encounter once again allows Pascal Sawadogo and his players to continue their preparations ahead of the competition’s start.
