AFCON 2023: Mali beat South Africa; Namibia stun Tunisia
South Africa’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign got off to a poor start after they were beaten 2-0 by Group E rivals Mali at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo on Tuesday night.
Bafana Bafana put up a strong showing in the first half but failed to take their chances – including a missed penalty – and were maid to pay by the Eagles in the second stanza, as Hamari Traore and Lassine Sinayoko found the back of the net to see them join Namibia (who stunned Tunisia earlier in the evening) at the top of the group standings on three points.
The teams traded chances in the opening quarter hour, before South Africa were awarded a penalty after a VAR review for an elbow from Mali defender Sikou Niakate on Evidence Makgopa. However, Percy Tau struck the 18th minute penalty high and wide.
Tau had another great chance on 35 minutes when a long pass from midfield put him in on goal, but his right-footed shot from a right angle was turned away by goalkeeper Djigui Diarra.
The Eagles ‘keeper made another couple of regulation saves as Bafana Bafana created further half chances, while injury time before the interval saw Ronwen Williams make a key block to deny Lassine Sinayoko after he latched onto a poor back-header.
Mali enjoyed another great chance in the early minutes of the second half, tearing through the defence after stealing the ball high up the field, but Amadou Haidara skewed his effort high and wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.
The West Africans claimed the lead in the 60th minute via Hamari Traore, who easily tapped home on the goal line after Sekou Koita’s shot direct from a free kick had the beating of Williams and rebounded off the underside of the crossbar.
And six minutes later Mali doubled their advantage, with Sinayoko shrugging off Siyanda Xulu before providing a classy stabbed finish past Williams – all after they had once again caught South Africa trying to play out from the back.
Bafana Bafana opted to introduce Zakhele Lepasa, Mihlali Mayambela and Thapelo Morena off the bench to try and turn the game around, but Mali still looked the more dangerous team and Haidara almost scored a third with a low drive on 85 minutes that was mere inches wide.
Namibia produced one of the all-time Africa Cup of Nations shocks by defeating 2004 champions Tunisia 1-0 in Tuesday’s Group E opener.
In a cagey first half of few chances, both sides lacked sharpness before Brave Warriors’ late thunderbolt stole the points.
The Carthage Eagles dominated possession but struggled to penetrate a resolute Namibian backline marshalled by Ivan Kamberipa.
Captain Youssef Msakni tested Lloyd Kazapua with a curled effort but the Tunisians grew frustrated as the game wore on.
Yet while the Brave Warriors lacked attacking spark, their tireless industry and organisation kept a star-studded Tunisia at bay.
As a famous upset loomed ever larger, the minnows delivered a hammer blow in the 89th minute.
Deon Hotto latched onto a long ball over the top and outpaced the defence before coolly slotting past Bechir Ben Said.
The Orlando Pirates winger thought he had doubled the lead when the offside flag denied him another historic strike but one goal proved enough as Namibia’s warriors held on for the clean sheet to claim a monumental three points.
Few observers gave the southern underdogs hope before the tournament began but now sides in the tournament will give them serious attention thanks to the massive shock on Tuesday.
But this shock victory over one of Africa’s giants has given them a good chance of progressing from Group E.
Burkina Faso scored late to get all three points against Mauritania.
Mauritania who are still chasing their first Africa Cup of Nations win proved solid in the first half by creating some decent chances.
Burkina Faso’s goalkeeper Havre Koffi came through for the Stallions on some occasions where needed.
Bertrand Traore came on for Cedric Badolo to provide more attacking threats for Hubert Velud’s side.
He nearly scored the opener after he curled from the penalty box but was denied by Babacar Niasse.
Issa Kabore was brought down in the box at the closing stages of the game. After VAR review, a penalty was awarded to Burkina Faso.
Substitute Bertrand Traore stepped up and converted for Burkina Faso to win all three points and ensure their tournament is on course.
Burkina Faso will play Algeria next on January 20 in their next game.
