With Bafana Bafana set to kick off their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign against Mali, there are a few players that could cause the South Africans harm.
The much-anticipated Group E encounter is set to take place at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium, and both teams will be looking to make the perfect start. The task, however, will be easier said than done for both teams.
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While Bafana's team comprising predominantly of locally-based players was praised by Eagles manager Eric Chelle, his side offer a contrasting philosophy with the bulk of Mali's players plying their trade elsewhere in the world. Regardless of where they play, their stars will offer the 1996 AFCON winners various, unique problems.
1. Yves Bissouma
Some say that games are won or lost in midfield, and the Tottenham Hotspur star will certainly be an obstacle for South Africa in their quest to gain a firm grip on the game.
The 27-year-old possess everything a modern-day defensive midfielder needs: he is physical, can progress the play when his side are trying to build out from the back and his ability to win the ball either through intercepting it or winning it after putting in a clean, strong tackle will make life hard for the Bafana midfielder.
Whether he has the ball at his feet or not, he will prove to be an issue that Hugo Broos and his chargers will have to deal with as efficiently as possible.
2. Amadou Haidara
The 25-year-old is expected to partner Bissouma in the middle of the park in what could prove to be a fierce combination.
Aside from what he can do with the ball at his feet, being very good at breaking the opposition's defensive lines with his good passing skills, the RB Leipzig midfielder comes into the tournament with experience in big competitions.
Despite having his injury troubles this season, the midfielder manager to make 14 appearances for his club with three of them coming in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League, making him no stranger to big occasions.
Bafana will have to work hard to make sure that he doesn't make a firm impact on the game.
3. Falaye Sacko
The defender will play a pivotal role in ensuring the South Africans do not cause much harm in his own defensive third. The Montpellier right back has been an important member of the club's squad since joining them in July last year.
The 28-year-old has made 16 appearances this season, and can be seen as a regular in their starting 11. And for Mali, he will play a crucial role in neutralizing the threat of whoever ends up occupying the left side of the pitch for Bafana.
4. Kamory Doumbia
Like his compatriot Sacko, Doumbia also plays in France. He represents Ligue 1 side Stade Brestois and has been in inspiring form this season.
His creativity and attacking prowess saw him score five goals and create two in 12 appearances. For Mali, however, he has been in even better form, scoring five goals in just eight appearances.
The 20-year-old has been tipped to cause havoc for opposition defenders throughout the tournament, and is someone the Bafana backline must contain.
5. Sikou NiakateThe 24-year-old has made just four appearances for his national side but as been tipped to play an important role in Mali's 2023 AFCON campaign.
He is a towering figure that will not only help his side eliminate threats from crosses and set pieces coming into his own box, but will also be a goal scoring threat that Bafana have to be cautious of when defending their goal from balls floated into the penalty area.
This season, while representing Portuguese side SC Braga, has made 19 appearances and has scored two goals, with one of them coming in the UCL.
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