South Africa and Mali clash in thrilling Africa Cup of Nations 2023 Showdown
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations match between Mali and South Africa took place at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo. Here are the details:
live updates from the match:
MALI 2 - 0 SOUTH AFRICA
90'
Last seconds of the game, plus whatever is put on the scoreboard, will not be more than 5 minutes, not much time has been lost.
80'
Last 10 minutes of the game. Mali in a better moment than the South Africans. Even though we are 2-0, South Africa is having possession.
66'
The second from Mali arrived. Gooal by Lassine Sinayoko with assistance from Doumbia. Mali will win and will be first in the group.
60'
We sing it, Malian goool. The scoring opens, Hamari Traoré makes it 1-0. South Africa doesn't know how to react to this.
53'
With the touch of the ball. Mali continues with the highest possession of 52%. The South Africans suffer at the back.
45'
We go to half-time 0-0. With a penalty missed by South Africa. Tau at 19.
38'
And the goal? Does not reach. Both teams forgive, intense game, but no scoring opportunity.
27'
Foul by Sphephelo Sithole (South Africa). Hamari Traoré (Mali) wins a free kick on the right wing.
23'
Attempt saved. Kamory Doumbia (Mali) header from the centre of the box is saved in the top left corner. Assisted by Hamari Traoré with a cross.
22'
Attempt missed. Percy Tau (South Africa) left footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Teboho Mokoena with a headed pass.
-21'
Offside, South Africa. Khuliso Mudau is caught offside.
-20'
Attempt missed. Sékou Koïta (Mali) left footed shot from the left side of the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Lassine Sinayoko with a headed pass
19'
Penalty missed. Percy Tau (South Africa) left footed shot is too high.
18'
Sikou Niakaté (Mali) is shown the yellow card.
18'Penalty conceded by Sikou Niakaté (Mali) after a foul in the penalty area.
15'
We continue without the goal. With 14 minutes into the game, the game is still even for both sides, the goalkeepers without any news.
8'
We are 8 minutes into the game, the game is slow in the midfield. Where few opportunities have been seen.
0'
The match starts.
Participating Players:
Mali
Key players included Real Sociedad's Hamari Traore, who is the captain and most influential defender for the Eagles.
The midfield was led by the energetic Yves Bissouma, along with other top performers like Amadou Haidara, Mohamed Camara, and others.
South Africa
Percy Tau, the most important and experienced forward, was expected to be leaned on for goals. Themba Zwane's playmaking ability and Ronwen Williams's role as goalkeeper were also vital².
Injured Players:
Mali
There were no reported injury worries.
South Africa
Ronwen Williams and Themba Zwane were expected to return to the line-up after missing the match with Lesotho due to minor knocks. Mothobi Mvala's groin injury was of more concern and could have seen him ruled out.
Suspended Players
There were no reports of any suspended players for this match.
Recent Results:
- Mali
The Eagles most recently claimed a 6-2 win over fellow AFCON finalists Guinea-Bissau last weekend in a warm-up match².
South Africa
Bafana Bafana’s warm-up for the AFCON saw them play out a 0-0 draw with Lesotho last Wednesday.
Head-to-Head: Mali and South Africa have met in three previous matches. The Eagles have twice triumphed in AFCON quarterfinals (2-0 in 2002 and via penalties after a 1-1 draw in 2013), while Bafana Bafana won a friendly 2-1 in Port Elizabeth in 2019.
