Ghana lost their opening game 2-0 against South Africa but started the brighter side and capitalised on their early pressure to go in front.
Striker Doris Boaduwaa beat Mali keeper Fatoumata Kerentao to a cross and her deflected header was about to head in when Kusi charged down Sogore’s attempted clearance.
The Black Queens continued to dominate possession during the first half and push back the Malians, who managed to stay in the contest despite Ghana carving out some goal-scoring chances.
The inexperience in the Ghanaian attack reflected in their play with poor decision-making at crucial moments. The Black Queens controlled 58% of possession and recorded 17 shots overall, but their finishing let them down.
Mali started the second half with purpose and got their reward when they caught Ghana off guard.
The Female Eagles exploited space during a rare counter-attack and Saratou Traore exposed the defence with a fine pass which Aissata Traore calmly converted.
Ghana, who are at the finals for the first time since 2018, were left frustrated by their inability to turn their dominance into all three points, and will now need a victory against Tanzania to extend their stay in Morocco.
