AFCON 2023: Fans Slam Percy Tau’s Horrendous Penalty Miss As Bafana Bafana Lose 2–0 to Mali

• South Africa lost 2-0 to Mali in their AFCON 2023 opener
• Sociedad’s Hamari Traore and Auxerre’s Lassine Sinayoko scored for Mali
• Al-Ahly’s Percy Tau skied a penalty in the first half for Bafana Bafana

Bafana Bafana faced a challenging start to their 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign, succumbing to a 2-0 defeat against Mali on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.

The match played at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo, Ivory Coast, saw Real Sociedad's Hamari Traore and Auxerre's Lassine Sinayoko netting goals in the second half to place the West Africans at the top of Group E.

Despite the statistical dominance of Mali, a significant moment came in the 18th minute of the first half when Sporting Braga's 24-year-old defender allegedly elbowed Bafana Bafana's number nine, Evidence Makgopa, in an off-ball incident.

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The Egyptian Referee, Mohamed Abel, consulted the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and awarded South Africa a penalty.

However, the turning point became a source of disappointment for Bafana Bafana, as Al-Ahly's 29-year-old striker Percy Tau, a key player for the team, failed to convert the penalty, sending the ball skyward from 12 yards. This moment left fans both amused and frustrated.

The defeat places Hugo Broos' side at the bottom of the group.

In another surprising result, minnows Namibia secured a shock 1-0 victory over former champions Tunisia in Korhogo.

Deon Hotto, playing for South African club Orlando Pirates, scored on 88 minutes, heading a Bethuel Muzeu cross past goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said. This marked Namibia's first victory in the competition after two draws and seven losses since their debut in 1998. Hotto had another goal ruled out by a marginal offside decision in added time.

Mali will face Tunisia on January 20, 2024, while South Africa is set to take on giant slayers Namibia on January 21, 2024, at the same venue.

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Percy Tau Among Highest Paid Players in Africa

Sports Brief reported a survey that listed the highest earners in the African football leagues, with Percy Tau making the list.

Egyptian side Al Ahly has the most players on the list, while Kaizer Chiefs, Pyramids FC, and Zamalek also have representatives.

Nigeria Premier Football League players missed out on the top earners list.