TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2026: Cape Verde writes a new chapter in its history

Cape Verdean football is living a golden era. Following the men’s team’s historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, the women’s national team has now written one of the brightest chapters in the country’s sporting history.

By defeating Mali over two legs (4–3 on aggregate), the Cape Verdean women have booked their first-ever ticket to the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

This success — achieved after a thrilling two-legged tie — highlights the steady growth of women’s football in Cape Verde.

A qualification full of character

The first leg, played in Praia, started poorly for Silvéria Nédio’s side. Backed by their greater continental experience, Mali dominated and claimed a 1–0 win thanks to a goal from Coumba Dembélé in the 81st minute. It was a narrow deficit, but one that hinted at a tough return leg for Cape Verde.

Back in Bamako, in front of a large crowd supporting the Malian hosts, the island nation produced a stunning offensive display. From the opening minutes, the Cape Verdeans dictated the tempo. Larissa Melo opened the scoring in the 14th minute, quickly followed by Ivânia Moreira in the 17th.

The momentum continued as Elia Vieira added a third in the 24th minute, before a Malian own goal made it 4–0 for Cape Verde.

Despite a brace from Oumou Koné for Mali, the match ended 4–2, giving Cape Verde a historic victory and sealing qualification for the 2026 Women’s AFCON with an aggregate score of 4–3.

Road to the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2026

First round:

First leg: Guinea 0–0 Cape Verde

Second leg: Cape Verde 1–4 Guinea

Second round:

First leg: Mali 1–0 Cape Verde

Second leg: Cape Verde 4–2 Mali

Aggregate score: Cape Verde wins 4–3

Cape Verde at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations

First participation: 2026

Number of participations: 1 (2026)

Head coach: Silvéria Nédio

Captain: Varsénia Lina Monteiro da Luz