Mali humbles South Africa. Betrand Traore’s late penalty sees Burkina Faso beat Mauritania while Namibia sees off Tunisia for a first-ever AFCON win.
Bertrand Traore’s late penalty wins it for Burkina Faso
In the end, it is the result that matters for Burkina Faso, though they had to labour for a priceless win against a stubborn Mauritania side.
Unfortunately for Mauritania, who came very close to taking a point away from the game for their third draw in the competition, their hard work was undone in the sixth minute of extra time as Betrand Traore scored from the spot.
The Aston Villa man was presented a chance to win it for the 2013 runner-up as Nouh El Abd was penalized for a foul on Luton defender Issa Kabore inside the area.
Traore scored for the third straight game for his country and as a result sends them to the top of Group D of AFCON 2023 ahead of Algeria and Angola, who both played a one all draw on Monday evening.
Deon Hotto’s late header delivers history for Namibia
Brave Warriors of Namibia showed great bravery to finally earned a first-ever win in AFCON history as Deon Hotto heads home from close range two minutes from the end of notmal time to down Tunisia.
Namibia failed to record a win in their previous nine games shared across their three edition appearances. However, their wait for a first win ended as they shock the winner in 2004.
Despite being the superior side in play, Tunisia were unable to transform their dominant into goals and even though they created promising chances, they were unable to convert.
It appeared Namibia were also without their scoring boots Mamelodi Sundown striker Peter Shalulile missed three big chances before the 88th minute, when Hotto broke the deadlock with the eventual match-winning goal.
An important win for Namibia, which gives them needed courage heading into fixtures against South Africa and Mali. AFCON 2023 could finally be the edition they make it out of the group stage.
Malians humbles South Africa
Second half goals from Hamari Traore and Lassine Sinayoko secured a deserved win for Mali against South Africa, who are dealt a heavy blow in their quest for knockout round qualification in AFCON 2023.
Percy Tau was presented with a chance to give Bafana Bafana a 19th minute lead from the spot but his left-footed shot sailed over the crossbar.
Mali stormed into the lead right on the hour-mark as captain Hamari Traore react quickest to poke home a Sekou Koita’s free-kick, which came off the crossbar.
The lead was doubled six minutes later. South Africa gave the ball away in the middle of the park and Mali quickly move it forward. Kamory Doumbia finds Sinayoko, whose low shot beat the Goalkeeper before finding the net.
A 2-0 win for Mali takes them to the top of the group standing, just ahead Namibia on goal difference.
Up next for Mali in the AFCON 2023 is Tunisia before ending the group with a date with South Africa.
