AFCON 2023: Traore, Sinayoko score in Mali’s win against toothless South Africa

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Hamari Traore and Lassine Sinayoko scored second-half goals to help Mali record to 2-0 win against South Africa in their AFCON 2023 opener.

South Africa winger Percy Tau missed a glorious opportunity to put South Africa ahead when he failed to convert his first-half penalty.

Mali then scored twice in six minutes in the second period to secure the massive victory.

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After captain Hamari Traore opened scoring, Sinayoko then extended the lead few minutes later.

Real Sociedad right-back Hamari scored a simple tap-in on the hour mark after Sekou Keita hit the bar with a brilliant curling free-kick.

Sinayoko outmuscled his marker while chasing a through ball before finishing expertly past South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

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Mali will now face Tunisia while Bafana Bafana meet Namibia. Tunisia lost 1-0 to Namibia. It was Namibia’s first AFCON win in history.