AS DE Mande Women and USFAS Women Battle to 1-1 Draw in Mali Cup

The Mali Cup women's competition provided an intriguing tie on June 19, 2026, as AS DE Mande Women hosted USFAS Women in Bamako. The match ended 1-1, setting up a potentially decisive second leg or requiring further rounds depending on the cup format. Both teams showcased the growing depth of women's football in Mali.

Match Summary

AS DE Mande Women began the match with intensity, using the home crowd's energy to press forward. Their efforts paid off in the 22nd minute when a swift passing move down the right flank ended with a low cross that was turned home from close range. The goal sparked celebrations but also woke up USFAS, who had been slow to start.

USFAS Women gradually gained a foothold in midfield, with their experienced holding player dictating the tempo. They equalized just before halftime through a well-struck free kick from about 25 yards that curled over the wall and inside the post. The teams went into the break level at 1-1.

Second Half Drama

The second half was a more cautious affair, as both sides respected the threat of elimination. AS DE Mande had a goal disallowed for offside in the 64th minute, a decision that drew strong protests from the home bench. USFAS then hit the crossbar from a corner in the 73rd minute. Despite late substitutions pushing for a winner, the match ended with the score unchanged.

Significance in Malian Women's Football

The Mali Cup is a prestigious knockout tournament for women's clubs, often serving as a showcase for national team players. AS DE Mande and USFAS are both well-known clubs with strong youth academies. This draw means the tie is finely balanced; the return leg (or any replay according to cup rules) will be crucial. For neutral fans, the match demonstrated the technical improvement and tactical organization of Malian women's football.

Looking Ahead

Both teams will now focus on their domestic league fixtures while awaiting the next cup round. AS DE Mande Women will be frustrated not to have held their lead at home, while USFAS Women will feel confident taking the draw back to their own ground. Women's football in Mali continues to gain momentum, and matches like this highlight its competitive spirit.