Mali beat South Africa 2:0 in #AFCON2023 Group E Game

South Africa missed a penalty in the 19th minute of play, an opportunity to go ahead in the game. In the 60th minute of play of their group E match in the AFCON tournament, Mali’s captain, Hamari Traore, put Mali ahead in the game with a well-taken free kick from the edge of the box. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023. And in the 66th minute of play, Lassine Sinayoko doubled the lead. He outpaced and outmuscled Bafana Bafana player Siyanda Xulu to send the ball into the net. It was poor defending by South Africa and focused play by Mali.

The Les Aigles (The Eagles) of Mali went up another level in their play with the replacement of Yves Bissouma by Lassana Coulibaly. A lot more urgency was seen in their play and a lot more incisiveness in terms of opening up South Africa on the counterattack. Mali had 45% ball possession with 16 shots and 2 on target as against South Africa’s 55% ball possession with 12 shots and 6 on target.

The game got underway with both teams showing great energy, resulting in plenty of chances at both ends of the field. Bafana Bafana came close to scoring first in the 19th minute when 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 sent the ball soaring over the crossbar.

South Africa continued to push for a goal, but faced a resilient Mali side. Both teams showcased solid defensive and offensive skills, putting pressure on each other throughout the first half. As the halftime whistle blew, the score remained 0-0.

In the second half, Mali came out with renewed determination and were rewarded when captain Hamari Traore found the back of the net from a rebound off goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. The Eagles then extended their lead with a precise finish from Lassine Sinayoko in the 66th minute, putting them at the top of Group E ahead of Namibia on goal difference.