Mali head coach Eric Chelle has admitted an improved second-half display allowed his charges to come out 2-0 winners against South Africa in their opening Group E match of the Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday.
The Eagles, who had a slow start in the opening half came back a better-structured side to soar to victory courtesy of goals from Sekou Koita and Lassine Sinayoko in Korhogo and this was after Bafana Bafana had missed a penalty via Percy Tau in the 19th minute.
“I want to congratulate the players for this victory. During the first half, it wasn’t good. We were under pressure in the first half. During the second half, we showed intensity. We conceded a penalty, and had it been scored, it may have been a different outcome,” said Chelle as quoted by CAFOnline.“
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He added: “Each nation has its chance, and this tournament will be very interesting because each team has qualities. I would not say we are favourites to win the group just yet. Yes, we got the victory but a lot can still happen. We still have matches to play and so we have to keep working hard.”
The victory enabled Mali to go top of Group E with a better goal advantage than Namibia who edged Tunisia 1-0 in the earlier kick-off.