|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
AFCON: Bafana’s Tau misses penalty as Mali beat South Africa
Mali secured a victory against South Africa with goals from Hamari Traore and Lassine Sinayoko in their Africa Cup of Nations opener.
Percy Tau’s missed penalty in the first half set the tone for a match marked by several lost opportunities for Bafana Bafana.
The breakthrough came when Traore capitalised on Sekou Koita’s free-kick hitting the woodwork, tapping in the rebound. Sinayoko extended Mali’s lead by rifling in a goal from inside the box six minutes later, sealing a victory for the 1972 finalists.
The result at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo means Mali maintains a perfect record against South Africa in AFCON, having previously beaten them in the 2002 and 2013 editions. Currently topping Group E, Mali’s win follows Namibia’s surprising 1-0 victory over Tunisia.
READ ALSO: Brave warriors of Namibia secure first AFCON win against Tunisia
South Africa started strongly, earning a penalty in the 18th minute, but Percy Tau, the reigning CAF Interclub Player of the Year, missed the opportunity by sending the ball over the bar.
Despite early promise, a lack of attacking finesse and routine saves by Mali goalkeeper Djigul Diarra hindered South Africa’s efforts.
Mali dominated the second half, taking advantage of a fatigued South African side that struggled to create chances.
Teboho Mokoena’s last-minute free-kick hit the post, highlighting the attacking challenges faced by the 1996 champions.
With a convincing performance, Mali, ranked 51st and considered AFCON dark horses, looks ahead to their next match against Tunisia, while South Africa faces southern African neighbors Namibia in the upcoming fixture.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va74ZvU2v1IqKByXoX3d
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
