AFCON 2024: Mali Top Group After Defeat Of South Africa

 

Mali made most of their opening game with a 2-0 victory against South Africa in the group stage of the 2024 AFCON in Ivory Coast. 

South Africa lost the game as two second half goals from their opponents sealed the victory. First, with Adama Traore putting the side ahead followed by Lassinge Sinayoko doubling the lead. 

Mali are now the leaders of Group E with three points followed by Namibia in second place while South Africa sits at the bottom behind Tunisia. 

Quick Overview 

Either side should have taken the lead from the first half. Both sides had fair share of chances with the Bafana Bafana side having the better of those from a spot-kick wasted away by Percy Tau. 

Mali for much of the half had pleasant saves by Diarra to keep the side in the game and a stoppage  time chance for the side from Sinayoko  to put the side ahead was saved by Bafana's Williams.

However, the Bafana later ran of technicalities on how to get past their opponents as Mali got the needed goals and fairly control much of the second half.