South Africa enters into tonight’s AFCON group E game against Mali with the hope of relieving the moments of 1996 with the Madiba magic.
South Africa won their first title, beating Tunisia 2–0.
The match was attended by both then-president Nelson Mandela, deputy president F. W. de Klerk and by then Sport Minister Steve Tshwete, and Bafana Bafana were congratulated by them, lifting the trophy in front of the multiracial home crowd.
Just like Saudi Arabia who are currently participating in the AFC Asian Cup being held in Qatar, it has been twenty years since both Countries won the continental trophy.
Mali and South Africa kick off their quest for glory in the Africa Cup of Nations when they go head to head at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium tonight.
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Both sides have been drawn in Group E of the continental showpiece and will contend with Namibia and 2004 champions Tunisia for a place in the knockout stages.
This will be the third encounter between Mali and South Africa at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The two previous meetings saw Mali prevail, both times in the quarter-finals: 2-0 in the 2002 edition and on penalties in 2013 (1-1 after extra-time, 3-1 on penalties).
South Africa will be looking to begin their AFCON campaign on a high, they will have to show their mettle against a Mali side who have never lost an opening game in the competition, claiming seven wins and five draws since their debut in 1972.
Bafana coach Hugo Broos highlighted the importance of making a perfect start in the competition to set the tone for the other matches in Group E.
“We are looking forward to playing. We are aware that we have a tough opponent with Mali,” Broos said.
“On the other hand, we believe in our chances and I hope that we will achieve our best level so we can win the game because it is very important for a tournament like this that we can start with a victory.”
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