Mali’s Les Aigles faced South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in an opening Group E encounter, presenting a clash between physicality and technical ability. Mali, known for their physical style, set up in a 1-4-3-1-2 formation with Djigui Djarra in goal and a solid defensive line led by Captain Hamari Traore, alongside Boubakar ‘Kiki’ Kouyate, Sikou Niakhate, and Falaye Sacko. In midfield, Yves Bissouma, Amadou Haidara, and Aliou Dieng provided defensive cover, while Kamory Doumbia operated as the attacking midfielder. In attack, Lassine Sinayoko partnered with Sekou Koita.
South Africa, managed by Hugo Broos, adopted a standard 1-4-4-2 formation with Ronwen Williams in goal and a defensive line featuring Aubrey Modiba, Mothobi Mvala, Khuliso Johnson Mudau, and Siyanda Xulu. The midfield comprised Teboho Mokoena and Sphephelo Sithole, while Thapelo Maseko and Percy Tau played on the wings. Themba Zwane and Evidence Makgopa formed the front two.
Mali started in a 4-3-1-2 formation but shifted defensively into two narrow blocks of four. In possession, they took a 2-1-3-1 shape with Yves Bissouma as the deepest midfielder. South Africa operated in a compact 4-2-4 shape, allowing them to maintain 54% possession. Mali’s defensive strategy involved a narrow 4-4-2, preventing central progress and forcing South Africa to play over the top.
South Africa’s attempts to exploit their technical ability included 1-2 combination passes in tight spaces, but Mali’s physicality and defensive resilience thwarted many of these efforts. Percy Tau’s lively performance led to an early penalty, but Mali’s defense remained resilient.
Mali capitalized on standout individual performances, notably from Amadou Haidara, and secured a 2-0 victory. Despite South Africa’s efforts to move the ball through the lines, Mali’s physicality, individual quality, and clinical finishing proved crucial, earning them the first three points of AFCON 2023.
