Mali vs South Africa AFCON live score, result, updates from Africa Cup of Nations 2023

South Africa take on Mali in the opening match of Group E in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Bafana Bafana have only lifted the AFCON trophy once and that came on home soil in 1996. 

Mali's best finish at the competition was then they came runners-up in 1972, they lost to 3-2 to Congo. Jean-Paul M'Bono scored a brace in that final. 

The Sporting News is following the match live, providing score updates and commentary below. 

AFCON results, scores, group tables 

14th minute: South Africa come close! It's a huge save from Diara as Tau almost fired his side into the lead. 

10th minute: It's RB Leipzig's Haidara with the first real chance of the game. He connects well on the volley from distance but Williams makes a good save to deny him. 

8th minute: Mokoena's delivery is whipped into the six-yard area but Mali manage to clear the danger with ease. 

5th minute: Mali have been the better of the two sides to open the game. They've had a staggering 84% possession. 

1st minute: The referee blows his whistle and we're off!

5 minutes to KO: We're nearly ready to get underway at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium. 

15 minutes to KO: A little context between this matchup this evening. FIFA's global rankings have Mali in 51st place and South Africa in 66th. So... it could be close! 

30 minutes to KO: And here is the Mali starting XI for you this evening. Diarra (GK) — Traore, Niakate, Kouyate, Sacko — Bissouma, Dieng, Haidara — Doumbia, Koita, Sinayoko.

40 minutes to KO: Here's the team news for South Africa: Williams (GK) — Modiba, Mvala, Xulu, Mudau — Maseko, Sithole, Mokoena, Tau — Makgopa, Zwane.

We have arrived right on time! Spirits high, mood good!