By Edwin Kule
AFCON 2023: Group E Results
Mali 2-0, South Africa
Tunisia 0-1 Namibia
Mali secured a 2-0 victory against Mali in the ongoing 2023 AFCON Championship at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium on Tuesday night.
Both captain Hamari Troure and Lassine Sinayoko scored in the second half to sink South Africa in the thrilling game.
The game witnessed an electric start as Amadou Haidara attempted a spectacular long-range volley, but South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was equal to the challenge.
In the 18th minute, South Africa were awarded a penalty after Sikou Niakate appeared to have elbowed Evidence Makgopa in the dangerous area.
Percy Tau stepped up for the challenge but skied the ball way above the frame in what would have been a spectacular conversion in rugby.
Tau kept being positive and drawing forward. He later set up Sphephelo Sithole, but the midfielder’s effort went straight to Djigui Diarra’s gloves.
Sinayoko failed to give Mali the lead in the final minutes of the first half after a horrible mixup between Siyanda Xulu and goalkeeper Williams.
At the top of the hour, Mali finally broke the deadlock through Troure. The skipper was quick to tap home the remains of Sekou Koita’s emphatic freekick.
Six minutes later, Sinayoko doubled Mali’s lead. The forward outmuscled Xulu before he completed a real African forward finish.
The victory sends Mali on top of Group E with a goal above Namibia. They will be facing wounded Tunisia in their next game on Saturday.
Mali seeks to end their sad run of not winning the tournament amidst playing 13 consecutive editions on a bounce.
