South Africa Sports Minister Shares Powerful Speech to Crestfallen Players After Mali Defeat: Video

• South Africa's Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa met the Bafana Bafana players
• Bafana Bafana lost their opening Group E game to Mali in Korhogo
• South Africa will next face neighbours Namibia, who beat Tunisia

South Africa's Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, has encouraged players of Bafana Bafana to look forward to their next game at the Africa Cup of Nations after the opening day defeat to Mali.

Al Ahly's talisman, Percy Tau missed a penalty as South Africa conceded two quick-fire goals in the second half to lose to the Eagles of Mali.

After the game, the players were visibly heartbroken after spurning several opportunities in the first half of the pulsating encounter.

In a video shared on social media, Sports Minister Kodwa is seen delivering an uplifting speech as he urged the team to bounce back in their next game.

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"It's a game, it's a game of football, and it's split seconds that can change a decision. I think the short passes didn't help us, but we will regroup. I do want to encourage you. You inspire a lot of South Africans," he said.

"Clearly in this tournament, there are no underdogs. Big names, big games, and big countries are falling as a result," he added.

"You are a real inspiration, never lose hope, focus, be disciplined and play as a team."

The 1996 AFCON champions will next face Namibia with the hopes of getting their tournament back on track, per Sky Sports.

Tau misses penalty as Mali beat South Africa

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that South Africa got off to a poor start at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Mali in their group opener.

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Percy Tau missed an early penalty before the Eagles scored twice in the space of six minutes to collect all three points.

Namibia's shock win over Tunisia leaves South Africa needing at least a win and draw to stand a chance of progressing to the Round of 16.

Fans react to Tau's penalty miss

Sports Brief also reported that fans expressed their disappointment after Percy Tau missed a penalty in the game between South Africa and Mali.

Bafana Bafana had the chance to open the scoring in the first half after they were awarded a penalty but the Al Ahly winger's effort going wide.

After the break, Real Sociedad's Hamari Traore and Auxerre's Lassine Sinayoko netted in quick succession place as Mali sealed victory in Korhogo.