South Africa’s missed opportunities have come back to haunt them as Mali secures a 2-0 victory, placing them at the top of Group E in the Africa Cup of Nations finals on Tuesday night.
The match began with both teams showing great energy and creating chances on both ends of the field.
In the 19th minute, Bafana Bafana came close to scoring the first goal after Sikou Niakate received a yellow card for elbowing Evidence Makgopa in the face inside the penalty area. The referee awarded a penalty after a VAR check, but Percy Tau disappointingly missed the target, sending the ball over the bar.
South Africa continued their pursuit of a goal but faced a resilient Mali team. Both teams displayed solid defensive and offensive plays, putting pressure on each other. As a result, the first half ended with a 0-0 tie.
In the second half, Mali came out with determination and were rewarded when captain Hamari Traore scored from a rebound off goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. The Eagles then extended their lead with a precise finish from Lassine Sinayoko in the 66th minute, securing their position at the top of Group E, ahead of Namibia on goal difference.
Mali deserves credit for effectively containing Bafana Bafana in the first half and taking control of the game in the second half, ultimately dismantling their opponents.
The people of Mali have every reason to be proud of their team’s performance in the opening Afcon match.
Although Hugo Broos’ team had a promising start, they struggled in the second half and appeared unsettled as Mali dominated the game.
The South Africans had difficulty increasing the pace and regretted missed opportunities from the first half, including Taus’ missed penalty.
The South Africans will now focus on their upcoming match against Namibia on Sunday, January 21, followed by Tunisia on Wednesday, January 24.
Meanwhile, Mali is scheduled to face Tunisia on Saturday, January 20, and Namibia on Wednesday.
