Sports
AFCON 2023: Mali Top Group E After Humbling South Africa
South Africa started their 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign in the worst possible way as they suffered a massive defeat at the hands of Mali.
The Bafana Bafana came into the 2023 AFCON with loads of hope of doing better than in previous editions but it seems they don’t stand a chance of winning a second AFCON title anytime soon.
In their meeting with Mali at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium on January 16, they were expected to at least earn a point even if they can’t grab the entire three points.
Unfortunately, the South African side couldn’t even score a goal as they suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Mali to mount unprecedented pressure on themselves.
Hamari Traoré, a 31-year-old defender who plays for Real Sociedad scored the match opener for Mali in the 60th minute.
Six minutes after the opening goal, the Malian side doubled their lead in the 66th minute courtesy of a strike from Lassine Sinayoko, a 24-year-old forward of the French Ligue 2 club Auxerre.
The goal gifted Mali a 2-0 win over South Africa and took the Malians to the top of Group E with 3 points, the same points as Namibia who beat Tunisia 1-0 earlier in the day.
As it stands, South Africa have no choice but to beat Namibia on January 21 to stand a chance of making it to the round of 16 as they are currently sitting bottom of the group.
Super Eagles and Chippa United goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has been dealt a devastating blow, losing his mother barely two months after the passing of his father.
Nwabali shared the heartbreaking news on X on New Year’s day, writing, “Rip mom, worst year of my life already” accompanied by tears and heartbreak emojis.
This emotional post came just hours after he shared a 2024 recap video, expressing optimism for the new year.
“2024 was a good year, we’re doubling everything in 2025. Thank you Chippa United FC. Thank you Super Eagles. Thanks to all my fans. Let’s do more!” he had written earlier.
Nwabali’s father died in November, just hours after the goalkeeper helped the Super Eagles secure a crucial point in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin Republic.
The goalkeeper’s bravery on the field was evident as he manned the goalpost despite his personal loss.
His teammates, fans, and well-wishers rallied around him, offering condolences and support.
With the loss of both parents, Nwabali joins the likes of Victor Osimhen, who has also experienced the pain of losing both parents.
Real Madrid forward, Kylian Mbappé, shared a rare glimpse of his personal life during an interview with Mouloud Achour on Clique.
The 25-year-old addressed serious allegations about an alleged rape incident in Stockholm but captured attention with his reflections on love and relationships.
When asked about expressing love, the Les Bleus forward shared: “Yes, to my mother, my father, my little brother. I try to give them this affection every day.”
On romantic love, Mbappé revealed to Le Parisien: “Yes, in the past, I have already been in love and I hope that I will be again. But currently, no.”
Watch him speak below:
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Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili made a spectacular debut at the Paris 2024 Olympics, delivering an impressive performance in the women’s 200m event.
After a disappointing setback in the women’s 100m, Ofili showcased her resilience by clinching victory in her heat with a new season’s best time of 22.24 seconds on Sunday, August 4. The victory has qualified her for the 2024 Olympics 200m women’s semi-finals which will take place this evening.
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