South Africa's sports minister delivers powerful speech to depressed players after Mali defeat: video

• South African Sports Minister Gigi Kodwa met. bafana bafana player
• Bafana Bafana lost to Mali in Kollogo in their first Group E match.
• South Africa Next they will face neighboring Namibia, who defeated Tunisia.

South African Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gigi Kodwa has encouraged Bafana Bafana players to look forward to their next match at the African Cup of Nations following the opening day defeat to Mali.

Al Ahly's talisman Percy Tau missed a penalty as South Africa conceded two quick goals in the second half and lost to Mali's Eagles.

After the game, the players looked visibly heartbroken as they missed several chances in the first half.

In a video shared by Social mediaSports Minister Kodwa was seen giving an uplifting speech, urging the team to bounce back in the next match.

AFCON 2023: Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa talks about his personal goals ahead of the match against Equatorial Guinea

football

“This is a game, a football match and it only takes a split second to change a decision. I don't think the short passes helped us, but we will come together again. I encourage you guys. “You are an inspiration to many Southerners, 'Africans,'” he said.

“Obviously, there are no underdogs in this tournament. As a result, big names, big games and big countries are losing,” he added.

“You are truly an inspiration. Never lose hope, stay focused, be disciplined and play as a team.”

According to Sky Sports, the 1996 AFCON champions will next face Namibia in a bid to restart the tournament.

Mali beat South Africa, Tau misses penalty kick

Before, Sports overview South Africa got off to a poor start in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, losing 2-0 to Mali in their opening group match, the report said.

AFCON 2023: Alex Iwobi warns Ivory Coast after Nigeria vs. Equatorial Guinea draw

football

Percy Tau missed an early penalty, but the Eagles scored twice in six minutes to take all three points.

Namibia's shock victory over Tunisia meant South Africa needed at least a win and a draw to have any chance of progressing to the Round of 16.

Fans react to Tau's penalty miss

Sports overview It also reported that fans expressed disappointment after Percy Tau missed a penalty in the match between South Africa and Mali.

Bafana Bafana had a chance to take the lead after being awarded a penalty in the first half, but the Al Ahly winger's shot went wide.

After the break, goals from Real Sociedad's Hamari Traore and Auxerre's Racine Shinayoko sealed Mali's victory at Corrogo.