By: Nana Kwame Bediako
Bafana Bafana of South Africa took on the Eagles of Mali in their opening group game of the AFCON 2023 at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo. Both countries displayed impressive fighting spirit, with Mali emerging victorious with a 2:0 victory on January 16, 2024.
South Africa had their tactics all over the game in the early minutes of the first half as they dominated, holding onto much of the possession until they were forced to slow down as Mali fought their way back into the game.
Mali, as they gradually showed signs of getting back into the game, were forced to concede a penalty in the 15th minute when Sikou Niakate conceded a foul in the box with the ball hitting his hand. South Africa’s playmaker, Percy Tau, stepped up to give them the lead, but he eventually missed by ballooning the ball.
The Eagles of Mali changed the narrative of the second half as they took command of the game by putting pressure on South Africa. Mali, with all the pressure, eventually broke the deadlock in the 60th minute when their captain, Hamari Traore, left-footed a goal from close range, giving them a 1:0 lead following a set-piece situation.
Mali, after going ahead, had other plans, as they scored again six minutes later with a well-taken goal from Lassine Sinayoko, who stamped his physical presence on the defence of South Africa to put the ball in the net.
Group E sets up with Mali and Namibia, taking all three points to cement their chances moving forward.
