Quick-fire goals by Hamari Traore and Lassine Sinayoko helped Mali to a comfortable 2-0 win over South Africa in their Group E opener of the Africa Cup of Nations. South Africa’s Percy Tau missed a first-half penalty and Mali scored twice in six minutes after the restart. Next up for Mali is a clash with Tunisia while Bafana Bafana meet Namibia needing a result to keep their knockout hopes alive.
Mali got their latest attempt at winning the Africa Cup of Nations off to an impressive start with a 2-0 win over South Africa.
Despite being the dominant side for much of the contest, The Eagles did not have everything their own way with Bafana Bafana putting up a spirited effort.
They could and should have taken an early lead in the 19th minute, but former Brighton forward Percy Tau blazed his penalty high over the bar. Wearing No. 10, his kick was similar to that of his rugby equivalent in the Springboks’ recent World Cup success.
Mali took their time but, in the space of seven second-half minutes, made South Africa further regret that miss with two quick-fire goals.
The first was a tap in from captain Hamari Traore on the hour after Sekou Keita rattled the bar with a brilliant curling free-kick. The second came as a result of Lassine Sinayoko, who finished in style after South Africa’s passing from the back broke down.
The win makes it three for three for The Eagles against the 1996 champions in the competition and continues their impressive record of never losing an opening game as well. Eric Chelle’s men now take on Tunisia on Saturday night looking to book an early spot in the knockout stages.
As for South Africa, they already face a near do-or-die game with neighbours Namibia on Sunday night.
