Hamari Traore and Lassine Sinayoko scored second-half goals as Mali secured a 2-0 victory over South Africa in their Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
Captain Traore tapped in the opening goal in the 60th minute of the Group E encounter, and striker Sinayoko quickly added a second for Mali. South Africa had the better of the first half but missed a penalty when Percy Tau’s attempt went high over the crossbar.
Despite Tau’s missed opportunity, South Africa had more chances in the opening period. However, Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra denied Tau twice.
Mali had a near chance to take the lead just before halftime when poor defending from South Africa’s Siyanda Xulu and Mothobi Mvala almost allowed Sinayoko to score.
Mali improved in the second half, and Traore scored the opening goal after a free-kick from Sekou Koita was initially saved by South Africa’s goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Sinayoko extended Mali’s lead six minutes later, securing the victory. South Africa tried to salvage the game in the closing stages but hit the left post with a long-range free-kick in added time.