Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses and the Female Eagles of Mali fought out the first stalemate of the maiden edition of Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Tournament at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Sunday.
The last meeting between Morocco and Mali was on 14th June 2021 at the Stade du FUS, and the Atlas Lionesses 🇲🇦 won 3-2.
Having won their opening game against Cameroon, Morocco looked more impressive against a Mali team that conceded two late minute goals in their opening game against Nigeria.
Moroccan coach, Reynald Pedros made four changes to the side that defeated Cameroon 1-0 on Thursday with Boukhami Siham, Badri Najat, Salmi Rania, and Mssoudy Sanaa replacing Jraidi Ibtissam, Amani Salma, Nakkach Elodie Nahla, and Hassani Marwa respectively.
Mali’s coach, Mohamed Houssein Sallaum started the game with the same side that suffered a 2-0 defeat to Super Falcons of Nigeria on Wednesday.
Mali, determined to make something out of their last match of the tournament, looked up to the France –based Aissata Traore most of the time, with her efforts nearly paid off in the 32nd minute as she beat three defenders but couldn’t get past Errmichi in goal.
A defensive mistake from Boukhami Siham gave Kone Oumou the chance to score the opening goal in the 52nd minute but her effort went wide.
Morocco’s goalscorer against Cameroon, Tagnaout Fatima missed narrowly with the net gaping after a good run and cross by Mssoudy.
The Atlas Lionesses finished their campaign with four points having a win and a draw after two games, and immediately flew out of Lagos aboard an Air France flight to Paris, to connect Casablanca on Monday morning.
Mali gained one point from their two games, and will now focus on next month’s 2022 AWCON qualifying fixtures.
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