The biennial tournament previously called the African Women’s Championship, was renamed the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations last year, similar to the men’s tournament title.
Cameroon kicked off with a 2-0 defeat of Egypt in which Gabrielle Onguéné’s opener was added to by a Christine Manie penalty.
South Africa and Zimbabwe drew a blank before the former lost by the only goal against the home nation, as Genevieve Ngo netted with 7 minutes left.
Salma Tarik also scored in the final 10 minutes as Egypt beat Zimbabwe 1-0 to move second in Group A. They clash with South Africa on Friday in what is likely to be the decider for the group’s runner-up spot.
Nigeria lead Ghana on goal-difference at the top of Group B with a game to go, having begun by hitting Mali for six, which featured a four-goal haul from Arsenal’s Asisat Oshoala.
Ghana scored three times in the second half to overturn Kenya’s advantage, given to them by Essie Akida. Samira Suleman levelled and Elizabeth Addo bagged a brace in the last 18 minutes.
The top two in the table then tied 1-1 yesterday, while Mali kept their hopes alive at the expense of Kenya, whom they beat 3-1. But they will probably have to overcome Ghana on Saturday to go through, while Nigeria face Kenya.
