Bafana Bafana have had the worst possible start at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals as they were beaten 2-0 by Mali in a Group E clash at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium Stadium in Korhogo, Ivory Coast, on Tuesday evening.
Bafana had an opportunity to score first after they were awarded a penalty following Sikou Niakate’s elbowing of Evidence Makgopa. However, trusted Al Ahly forward Percy Tau missed from the penalty spot in the 19th minute.
Following a goalless first half, the Eagles of Mali broke the deadlock through their captain Hamari Traore’s goal on the hour mark. Six minutes later, Lassine Sinayoko increased Mali’s lead.
This was Eagles’ second win over Bafana having first beaten them 2-0 at the 2002 AFCON finals in Mali. On the other hand, Bafana have also beaten the Eagles twice with the other two matches ending in draws.
