The South Africans could have started this match in a completely different scenario - but in the first half they did not convert a penalty. And after the break they received a double blow, to which, as it turned out, they had no response. As a result, Mali, thanks to a goal difference, took the lead in the group, ahead of Namibia.

2023 Africa Cup of Nations

Mali - RSA 2:0 (0:0)
Goals: Traore Ha-i, 50 (1:0); Sinayoko, 66 (2:0)

Mali: Diarra Dj.; Traore Ha-i; Sacko F.; Niakate N.; Kouyaté B.; Haidara A. (Traoré Bo., 86); Bissouma (Coulibaly L., 58); Dieng Al. (Diabate, 78); Doumbia K.; Sinayoko (Sissoko I., 86); Koïta Sekou
Bench: Diawara I.; Doumbia Ab.; Diarra Mo.; Fofana M.; Dante Am.; Traoré Noss; Dorgeles; Samassékou; Camara Moh.; Doumbia M.; Doucoure; Niakaté Y.
Yellow Cards: Niakate N. 18; Kouyaté B. 43; Coulibaly L. 90

RSA: Williams Ro.; Mvala; Modiba; Mudau; Xulu; Mokoena; Sithole; Tau; Maseko (Morena, 88); Zwane (Mayambela, 74); Makgopa (Lepasa, 67)
Bench: Mothwa; Goss; Sibisi; Kekana; Xoki; Mashego; Mobbie; Mthethwa; Monare; Mokwana; Appollis; Adams J.; Rayners
Yellow Cards: Mvala 58; Xulu 78