CAF Women’s Champions League: USFAS Bamako Come from Behind to Beat 15 de Agosto and Start Their Campaign Perfectly

At the Right to Dream Stadium in Cairo, USFAS Bamako made a convincing start to their CAF Women’s Champions League campaign by defeating Equatorial Guinea’s 15 de Agosto (2–1).

Trailing at halftime after a goal from Ana María Nchama (42’), the Malians showed great character to turn things around.

Driven by an unstoppable Maimouna Traoré, the Malian army team equalized in the 69th minute through a penalty, before Awa Diarra sealed the victory with a powerful strike from the edge of the box (82’).

This victory—earned with authority and teamwork—gives USFAS Bamako an ideal start.

For 15 de Agosto, the reigning UNIFFAC zone champions, disappointment runs deep after a controlled first half but a poorly managed end to the match.

What they said:

“We still have two games left. We still have our chances. We didn’t play our usual game. The players didn’t follow the instructions, but we’ll fix that.”
— Barthelemy Bloade, coach of 15 de Agosto

“It was a tough match, but I’m generally pleased with the character the players showed. Everything wasn’t perfect—far from it—but we’ll get back to work to correct our mistakes.”
— Amadou Cissé, coach of USFAS Bamako