Mali Wins, South Africa Falls Due to Missed Penalty

Kapten Mali Hamari Traore melakukan selebrasi usai membobol gawang Afrika Selatan di pertandingan Piala Afrika 2023. (X/@CAF_Online)

JAKARTA - Mali won 2-0 over South Africa in the first Group E match of the 2023 African Cup of Nations at Amadou Gon Coulibaly, Korhogo, Ivory Coast, Wednesday, January 17 early morning Western Indonesian Time (WIB). South Africa's collapse was inseparable from missed penalties.

Mali took advantage of South Africa's missed penalty to get back up. They showed high fighting spirit so they were able to get the first three points.

In that match, South Africa was slightly favored. In fact, they had the opportunity to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty in the 18th minute. The penalty was awarded after striker Evidence Makgopa was elbowed by Sikou Niakate in the forbidden box.

The referee reviewed the incident via VAR before pointing to the spot. Only, midfielder Percy Tau's execution. His shot went over the bar

Even though the penalty was missed, South Africa actually did not lose their enthusiasm for competition. They continued to dominate throughout the first half. Only South Africa's attacks always failed to face Mali's sturdy defense.

On the other hand, Mali almost took the lead because of a blunder by a South African defender which was exploited by striker Lassine Sinayoko. However, when he was left facing goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, his shot was saved.

Entering the second half, Mali took the initiative to attack. Mali got at least two chances through striker Sekou Koita.

It's just that the kick still failed. Likewise, Amadou Haidara's kick did not produce results.

After repeated failures, Mali captain Hamari Traore finally broke the deadlock. Traore found the net in the South African goal in the 60th minute.

Winning 1-0 made Mali even more aggressive and enthusiastic. Only six minutes later, Sinayoko succeeded in increasing the team's lead. He completed Kamory Doumbia's assist well.

No additional goals. Mali closed the match with a 2-0 win. These results put Mali at the top of Group E.

Mali has the same points as Namibia who beat Tunisia 1-0. However, Mali is superior on goal difference so that Namibia is in second place.