AFCON 2023: Mali Captain Hamari Traore Backs South Africa to Progress Past Group Stage

• South Africa were beaten in their first 2023 AFCON match by Mali
• Mali captain Hamari Traore has tipped Bafana Bafana to go far
• South Africa face Namibia on Sunday, looking to bounce back

South Africa's 2023 AFCON started with a 2-0 defeat to Mali on Tuesday, January 16.

Bafana Bafana were almost flawless in the first half but crumbled in the second half as Mali's quality started to show.

The Eagles captain, Hamari Traore, believes Bafana Bafana have the quality to go deep into the competition.

Both South Africa and Mali are considered underdogs in the tournament, but the West Africans have more depth and quality.

Mali struggled to contain Hugo Broos' men in the first half and even conceded a penalty in the 19th minute. Lucky for them, Percy Tau missed the spot kick.

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In the second half, Bafana Bafana looked tired, and that's when Mali's dominance began. The 1996 champions couldn't keep up and conceded twice in the 60th and 66th minute. Traore and Lassine Sinayoko scored the goals.

In the other Group E game, Namibia stunned Tunisia 1-0. Bafana Bafana face their neighbours on Sunday in what will be a massive encounter for both sides.

Traore backs South Africa

Speaking after the game, Traore applauded South Africa's performance and feels they can go far into the tournament.

“You know what I said [before in the press conference], South Africa is a very good team, they have top players, you saw in the first half, they were in a good mood and created a lot of difficulties for us...this South Africa team will get out this group – they played good and I hope they get far,” Traore said via iDiski Times.

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South Africa will face a Namibian team full of determination, invigorated by their first-ever win in the Africa Cup of Nations. A defeat on Sunday could end their hopes of reaching the Round of 16.

Mosimane's message to Tau

Sports Brief earlier reported on former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane sending his message of support to Percy Tau after his penalty miss.

Mosimane applauded Tau for taking responsibility and pointed out some of the positives from his performances against Mali.

In his post-match interview, Tau apologized to the fans for missing the penalty.