Head coach Hugo Broos has explained where his side went wrong as Bafana Bafana suffered a 2-0 defeat in their opening AFCON match against Mali.
Despite starting strongly in the first half, Bafana failed to capatilise on their chances, including being awarded a penalty in the 17th minute of the match when Evidence Makgopa was adjudged to have been fouled in the box.
READ | Broos weighs in on Bafana's penalty drama
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Percy Tau miss a golden opportunity to put Bafana Bafana ahead.
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Ultimately, it was Mali who returned stronger in the second half and struck twice in the space of six minutes through Hamari Traore and Lassine Sinayoki to secure the victory.
Speaking to media after the match, Broos said he was pleased with his side's performance despite the defeat.
"I have to congratulate my team on the performance today," Broos said.
"I think if we scored the penalty, the game should be different but okay, this is comments after the game and it doesn't change the results.
"In our game we had chances, we missed a penalty and I think the coach of Mali saw what he needed to do.
"They were stronger in the duels in the second half, we couldn't play our game anymore and that was because of the power of Mali.
"So yes, we concede two goals. The second goal, we lose the ball in a place where we don't have to lose it and they score goal and the game is finished but again, I think the performance is good, but not good enough."
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The defeat leaves Bafana at the bottom of Group E while Mali climb to the top. Next for South Africa is Namibia on Sunday. Kick-off is at 22:00.
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