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Afcon 2023: Percy Tau's penalty miss proves costly as Mali outshine Bafana Bafana to top Group E

The match kicked off with both teams displaying an energetic start, creating opportunities on both ends of the field. Bafana Bafana came close to breaking the deadlock in the 19th minute after Sikou Niakate received a yellow card for elbowing Evidence Makgopa in the face within the penalty area. After a VAR check, the referee pointed to the spot, however Percy Tau ballooned the ball over the bar.Continuing their pursuit of a goal, South Africa faced a resilient Mali, with both teams engaged in solid defensive and offensive plays, creating pressure on each other as they entered the halftime break tied at 0-0.In the second half, Mali emerged with vigour, earning their reward as captain Hamari Traore tucked the ball into the net from a rebound off goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. The Eagles proceeded to double their lead with a precise finish from Lassine Sinayoko in the 66th minute to top Group E, ahead of Namibia on goal difference.

TELL ME MORE

Credit is due to Mali, who effectively contained Bafana Bafana in the first half and seized control of the game in the second, dismantling their opponents. The people of Mali have every reason to be proud of their team's performance in the opening Afcon match.

THE MVP

After a promising start to the match, Hugo Broos' team eased off in the second half, appearing unsettled as Mali dominated the game. The South Africans struggled to increase the pace, regretting the missed opportunities from the first half, including Tau's missed penalty.

THE BIG LOSER

The South Africans will now turn their attention to their upcoming match against Namibia on Sunday, January 21, followed by Tunisia on Wednesday, January 24. Meanwhile, Mali are set to face Tunisia on Saturday, January 20, and Namibia on Wednesday.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/africa-cup-of-nations/68zplepppndhl8bfdvgy9vgu1" target="_blank">Afcon home page</a><a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/lists/watch-out-senegal-morocco-ivory-coast-nigeria-and-south-africa-are-after-lion-of-teranga-s-africa-cup-of-nations-crown/blt3e92643baa878eed" target="_blank">Favourites to win Afcon</a><a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/lists/not-sadio-mane-riyad-mahrez-or-mohamed-salah-meet-the-2023-africa-cup-of-nations-most-valuable-players-ahead-of-the-big-kick-off-in-ivory-coast/bltf521fe324c3ae17c" target="_blank">Most valuable players at the tournament </a>

MORE ON AFCON

Afcon 2023: Percy Tau's penalty miss proves costly as Mali outshine Bafana Bafana to top Group E | Goal.com

South Africa&apos;s missed opportunities haunt them, as Mali clinch a 2-0 victory to top Group E at the Africa Cup of Nations Finals on Tuesday night.