AFCON 2023: How Bafana Bafana Fans Reacted to Mali vs Tunisia Draw

• Mali and Tunisia drew 1-1 in an intriguing Group E clash at AFCON 2023
• Mali edged closer to reaching the Round of 16, while Tunisia's hopes were dented
• South Africa are in the same group as these two sides, and their fans watched the game closely

Mali and Tunisia played out a pulsating 1-1 draw in Group E's matchday 2.

The result will have serious implications when the group matches are done and dusted.

Bafana Bafana fans kept a keen eye on the game because they had a vested interest in the result.

The game was off to a flyer from the first minute. Lassine Sinayoko grabbed his second goal of the tournament in the 10th minute after bamboozling Tunisia's defence.

The 2004 champions were back on level terms 10 minutes later through Hamza Rafia, who tapped in Ali Abdi's neat cross.

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The second half was less eventful. It was filled with persistent fouling and a dearth of chances from both sides. Mali will be the happier team, while Tunisia have one point from two games so far, per CAF. They have one game left to salvage their tournament.

South Africa fans' reactions

Most Bafana Bafana fans cheered for Mali, while others went with Tunisia. Hugo Broos' side are the only team in Group E without a point.

Their fans are still confident about qualification to the last 16. Here are some of their reactions.

@VISTOS026:

"A must win for Bafana against Namibia. Do not expect Xulu and Maseko on the line up, a 3 men central defence is needed to counter the pace of Shalulile and Hotto."

@CafObserver:

"Tunisia is done this AFCON. They were outmatched especially second half. They were playing long balls against a taller team and spent much of the half pinned."

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@Landed_13928:

"Bafana Bafana just need to grab it ... Finish off business against Namibia today.. and I'm sure Mali will play all out against Namibia because 4 points is not good enough and they want to become number 1 in the group to get a less tougher team in the last 16."

@Hlubi_Stone:

"Great result for Bafana, 3pts tomorrow & we control our own fate against in the week."

Mali captain backs South Africa

Sports Brief previously reported on Mali's captain, Hamari Traore, tipping Bafana Bafana to do well despite beating them in their first game.

South Africa last went past the AFCON group stage in the 2019 edition in Egypt. They reached the quarter-finals but lost to Nigeria.

Bafana Bafana face neighbours, Namibia, in a must-win game on Sunday before concluding their group E matches against Tunisia.