Mali defeats Cape Verde 3-1 in Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

Mali defeated Cape Verde 3-1 in their opening match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers Group K. Dorgeles Nene, who plays for Fenerbahçe, was the standout performer, scoring two goals in the 39th and 51st minutes.

Mali took an early lead in the 5th minute through Ange Martial Tia, but Cape Verde equalized in the 10th minute via a free kick from Sidny Lopes Cabral. Nene’s brace secured the victory for Mali at the March 26 Stadium.

The match featured six players currently playing in the Turkish leagues: Mali’s Dorgeles Nene and Sékou Koïta, and Cape Verde’s Sidny Lopes Cabral, Wagner Pina, Ryan Mendes, and Nuno da Costa.