Mali Beats South Africa 1-0 in Their AFCON Opener

Hamari Traore and Lassine Sinayoko struck as Mali beat South Africa in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opener.

Percy Tau sent a penalty over the bar for Bafana Bafana in a first half characterized by missed chances.

Sinayoko seized on Kamory Doumbia’s pass to rifle the second from inside the box six minutes later and seal victory for the 1972 finalists.

Mali is top of Group E ahead of Namibia, who earlier stunned Tunisia with a 1-0 victory for their first-ever AFCON victory.

Also, Namibia produced a huge upset as Deon Hotto’s 88th-minute header secured victory over Tunisia in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations opener.

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Namibia’s Striker, Peter Shalulile had an earlier effort cleared off the line but Hotto pounced from Bethuel Muzeu’s cross.

The remarkable result means Namibia are second in the table on goal difference following Mali’s 2-0 win over South Africa in the latter group E fixture.

The yellow and green fought well during the first half but will surely lament the missed penalty in the 19th minute.

After this scare, Mali resolutely marched towards victory during the second half.

The team scored a first goal in the 60th minute then six minutes later put a second goal in the net.

At the end of the fixture which was played at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali took the lead of group E.

In the same group, Namibia made history Tuesday. The Brave Warriors caused one of the major upsets of the tournament so far, beating 2004 champions Tunisia, 1-0.

The southern African nation, which is taking part in the Africa Cup for just the fourth time, has finished bottom of its group in each of its previous appearances.

South Africa will play with Namibia on Sunday and Mali will meet Tunisia on Saturday.