AFCON 2023: Malian Fans Storm Abidjan With Wild Jubilation After Beating South Africa, Video

• Mali began their 2023 AFCON campaign on a winning note
• The Eagles edged South Africa 2-0 to go top of Group E
• Their supporters could not help but bask in the victory

Abidjan- Côte d’Ivoire. Mali experienced unwavering support, translating into unrestrained jubilation on the streets of Abidjan following the Eagles' thrilling victory over South Africa at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium.

Participating in their ninth consecutive Africa Cup of Nations, the West Africans commenced their 2023 campaign impressively, securing a 2-0 win against the Bafana Bafana on Tuesday evening.

Goals from Hamari Traore and Lassine Sinayoko in the second half propelled the Eagles of Mali to victory, leaving their opponents, South Africa, at the bottom of the group standings, beIN Sports reports.

Despite Bafana Bafana's dominance and majority possession throughout the game, their lacklustre attack, notably highlighted by Percy Tau's disappointing penalty attempt, proved detrimental.

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The 1996 AFCON champions now face the challenge of regrouping for their second match against regional rivals Namibia, who surprised Tunisia in the tournament earlier on the same day, according to the BBC.

Nevertheless, the streets of the capital witnessed joyous celebrations as supporters of Mali, spanning various age groups and genders, gathered with chants of "Mali."

Here is the video:

Percy Tau's embarrassing penalty miss

While Mali had the last laugh after 90 minutes, they partly owe their victory to Percy Tau's embarrassing penalty miss early in the game.

In the 19th minute, South Africa missed an opportunity to seize the lead when the Al Ahly star sent a penalty soaring over the crossbar.

The penalty was awarded after the referee consulted the VAR touchline monitor and observed Sikou Niakate elbowing Evidence Makgopa following Aubrey Modiba's cross into the area.

Tau's unsuccessful penalty attempt marked a distinctive moment at the 34th edition of the continental tournament, as he became the first player to falter from the spot in the matches played so far, as cited by Sports Brief.

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Namibia upset Tunisia

In a separate publication, Sports Brief reported that South Africa's neighbours Namibia caused a major upset in the ongoing 2023 AFCON, securing a 1-0 triumph over former champions Tunisia on Tuesday.

This marked a historic first victory in the flagship African tournament for the Brave Warriors, who had previously defeated and drawn with another top team, Cameroon, in the qualifiers for the 2024 edition.

Deon Hotto's header in the 88th minute became the sole goal of the opening match in Group E, contributing to a total of six surprise results from 10 matches in just four days.