Mali kicked off their campaign on a winning after defeating South Africa 2-0 in Tuesday’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nation.

The early part of the encounter started on a very fast pace as both teams tried to dominate play.

South Africa could have taken the lead in the 19th minute but Tau failed to convert his penalty.

But then, Mali and South Africa failed to make anything meaningful in the first half with the few goal scoring chances that came their ways.

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However, the Eagles of Mali eventually broke the deadlock in the 61st minute after Hamari Traoré swiftly tapped in from a free-kick that hit the edge of the goalpost to give his team the lead.

In the 66th minute, Mali extended their lead thanks to brilliant goal from Lassine Sinayoko.

The victory puts Mali top of group E on three points while South Africa sit bottom on zero point.

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