Returning to Wafcon after a 15-year absence, Tanzania would have hoped to call on three of their overseas stars – Clara Luvanga, Opa Clement and Aisha Masaka – for this opening game.
Instead, the lowest-ranked side in Group C saw Brighton & Hove Albion forward Masaka drop out of the pre-tournament training camp with a knee injury, Al-Nassr striker Luvanga was listed as absent, as opposed to injured, on the pre-match teamsheet and Opah, who plays in Mexico, was suspended.
Coach Bakari Shime described the situation as “a major problem” in his press conference after the game.
When they were on the front foot in the game, diminutive playmaker Diana Msewa was at the heart of the Twiga Stars’ best work, looking especially bright on the ball in the early stages.
But as the red skies above the Berkane Stadium darkened, Mali began to get a grip on proceedings.
First Saratou Traore hooked wide after bundling her way into the box, before a slaloming run from Aissata Traore got the few fans in attendance on their feet, even if she ultimately dwelled too long on the ball and found herself crowded out by defenders.
Fatoumata Diarra then saw a long-range effort parried by Tanzania goalkeeper Najiati Idrisa, with Kadidiatou Diabate unable to convert the follow-up.
But Saratou Traore made no mistake with her goal, showing composure to keep a first-time effort down as it dropped invitingly into space after several bodies contested a set piece swung in from the right-hand touchline.
Tanzania had to wait until added time in the second half for their best opportunity, only to see Mali defender Aicha Samake put her body on the line to block a goal-bound shot from substitute Elizabeth Chenge.
That challenge ensured Mali, who finished fourth at the 2018 finals, kept their first ever Wafcon clean sheet, while also winning their opening game for the first time.
Tanzania, East Africa’s only representative at the tournament, may play with admirable style, but will have to find a way to add some incision to their game if they hope to prolong their stay in Morocco.
