Bafana Bafana lose their opening AFCON match

Bafana Bafana lost 2-0 in their opening Group E match of the 2023 Afcon tournament at Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium on Tuesday.

The first real chance of the match came in the 14th minute via Percy Tau. The Al Ahly star shot inside the 18-area box was saved by the Mali Keeper. Bafana Bafana controlled play causing panic problems for the Mali defense.

Bafana Bafana were awarded a penalty in the 18th minute following a foul on Orlando Pirates striker Evidence Makgopa after a VAR check. Al Ahly star Percy Tau missed the spot-kick much to the dismay of the Bafana supporters.

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Tau had a chance to redeem himself with 10 minutes remaining before the halftime break. But Mali keeper Djigui Diarra made a brilliant save to deny him a chance. Teboho Mokoena attempted a long-range shot but again Diarra was well-placed to make a save.

Mali nearly scored before the halftime break after a mistake by Siyands Xulu. The two nations went into the halftime break at 0-0.

Despite Bafana remaining steady in the early stages of the second half, Mali posed threats with a few attacks but found the Bafana defense organised.

HOW BAFANA BAFANA LOST OPENING MATCH AT AFCON

Mali finally found the lead after captain Hamari Traore scored from a rebound of a free kick from outside the 18-area. The Eagles secured the maximum points when Lassine Sinayoko scored a second with 25 minutes remaining.

The Mali national team goes on top of the mini-log following the win. Second will be Bafana COSAFA rivals Namibia who won their first-ever Afcon match when they defeated Tunisia earlier this afternoon.

SOUTH AFRICA STARTING LINE-UP V MALI

Ronwen Williams [GK], Teboho Mokoena, Siyanda Xulu, Aubrey Modiba, Evidence Makgopa, Percy Tau, Themba Zwane, Thapelo Maseko, Sphephelo Sithole, Mothobi Mvala, Khuliso Mudau.