Yves Bissouma was only on the pitch for 58 minutes. However, that was enough for the Tottenham schemer to exert his authority for Mali as they beat Bafana Bafana 2-0 in their AFCON Group E opener.
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Bafana Bafana started brightly but Bissouma took control
Both sides started the contest brightly as South Africa and Mali went end-to-end, frantically looking for spaces to exploit. In the 18th minute, Bafana had a penalty. Sikou Niakate was adjudged to have fouled Evidence Makgopa in the box after a VAR review. Percy Tau blazed the resulting penalty over the bar and Mali never looked back.
Tottenham star Yves Bissouma was on the pitch for less than an hour but by the time he came off after 58 minutes, the platform had been set for a comfortable win. Bissouma recycled the ball crisply and efficiently, pushing and probing from deep. Alongside him, Amadou Haidara and Aliou Dieng provided the running power that Bafana struggled to contain.
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South Africa’s D-Day against Namibia
Hugo Broos’ men have their work cut out to qualify from Group E with Sunday’s clash against Namibia already looking like a must-win. Namibia’s Brave Warriors picked up a historic win against Tunisia, their first-ever triumph in an AFCON match and it puts them in early control of their destiny. Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile was a menace all evening while Orlando Pirates man Deon Hotto was the match-winner with a close-range 88th-minute header.
Bafana and Namibia do battle on Sunday 21 January at 22:00.
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Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game.
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