AFCON 2023 is gaining momentum as each team gets their first run out in Ivory Coast
Mali will play South Africa in the evening's main match preceded by Tunisia vs Namibia
The higher-ranked nations in the competition have not had it their own way so far

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Days turned to hours and hours will become minutes.

South Africans have been holding their breath for weeks in anticipation of Bafana Bafana's first AFCON game since July 10, 2019.

On that day, South Africa lost their quarter-final with Nigeria, and another West African team awaits them in the shape of Mali.

Mali, South Africa, AFCON 2023, Group E, preview. — Mali have played South Africa twice at previous AFCONs with the West Africans winning 2-0 in 2002 and on penalties in 2013. Photo: @OptaJabu.
Source: Twitter

AFCON 2023 Group E Mali vs South Africa

Date and time: January 16 at 20:00

Venue: Amadou Con Coulibaly Stadium, Korhogo

Preview and analysis

Mali

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Ranked 51st in the world by FIFA, Mali will be slight favourites despite the polite comments from the Mali coach and players.

Eric Chelle will not allow his players to underestimate South Africa, fully aware of the need to set a positive tone for the tournament.

A characteristic of all the games played so far at AFCON 2023 is the pace and fitness of the teams. The speed of the game is relentless and if Mali maintain that standard, then South Africa could be in trouble.

Mali's midfield is irrepressible regardless of whether Yves Bissouma, Mohamed Camara, Aliou Dieng or Amadou Haidara starts.

If Mali control this facet of the game, they should prove difficult to keep out and break down. iDiski Times relayed coach Chelle's confident sentiments:

“I’m excited to play against South Africa. Good players, a good coach and technical staff, but as I said we have our strengths which we will try and use to exploit them.”

Previewing AFCON 2023 Group E featuring Mail, Tunisia, South Africa and Namibia

Football

South Africa

The build-up outside of Bafana Bafana's camp has been divided and opinionated, based more on hope than true belief.

For years, South Africa have failed to develop a playing style that displays any identity or that gives fans the impression that a plan is being implemented.

The team continues to be eleven individuals who take turns trying to spark momentum, leading to mixed results. Couple this with a general inconsistency and South Africa remain a frustrating enigma.

What strengths they do possess are two outstanding wing-backs in Aubrey Modiba and Khuliso Mudau, ball-playing midfielders and creative wingers. They will need to combine effectively for 90 minutes to get anything from Mali.

Much has been said of the Sundowns core, but they are driving a different vehicle on a very different piece of road. Only Hugo Broos will know where the team is mentally but the crafty Belgian gives nothing away, as per FARPost:

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