CAN 2024: Mali wins against South Africa
Mali made a great operation to launch their AFCON with a convincing victory over South Africa on Tuesday, sealed by goals by Traoré and Sinayoko. The Eagles thus take first place in Group E ahead of Namibia and Tunisia and their evening opponent.
After the unexpected victory of Namibia over Tunisia (1-0), there was a good operation to do in Group E for Mali or South Africa, who were competing Tuesday, January 16 for their entry in the CAN 2024.
In a stadium in Korhogo much more crowded than in the previous match, thanks to the supporters of the Eagles who came as neighbors, the two teams start the match on top. And it is the Malians who stand out first, by Koita (8th) then Haidara, who sees his 25-meter strike stopped by Williams (10th).
But it is the South Africans who are closest to tipping the match: Percy Tau, alone in front of the goal, first sees his strike stopped by Diarra (14th). Then the referee decides to consult the VAR, for a foul by Niakate on Makgopa in the box, and grants the penalty. The star of the Bafana Bafana unscrews and completely misses his shot, which goes well above the goal of Diarra (19th).
The Eagles continue to press but constantly stumble on a South African block well in place. On the bench, coach Éric Chelle does not hide his annoyance at this lack of efficiency.
The debates are balanced for a while, and it is the turn of the Bafana Bafana to create opportunities. Diarra distinguished herself on strikes by the inevitable Tau (34′, 41′) and Mokoena (39′). On the Malian side, Sinayoko tried his luck before the break.
On the return of the locker room the match starts again with the same intensity and the Eagles do not delay to take off. Haidara created a first opportunity (49th), then Doumbia (56th), and finally Sinayoko (58th). The latter is hung at the entrance of the box by Mvala, and after a time of hesitation, the referee finally grants a free-kick. Koita pitched it live, and Hamari Traoré took over Williams’ parade to free his team (60′, 1-0). And in the wake, Sinayoko drives the nail of a beautiful right-hand exterior (66′, 2-0).
