Round-up: Rampant Mali roar into AFCON with victory over South Sudan

By SABC Sport
9th September 2023

Mali concluded their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifying journey by dismantling South Sudan with a commanding 4-0 triumph.

The encounter, played out on Friday, showcased Mali's prowess and determination on the pitch.

Ibrahima Kone set the tone just 10 minutes into the match, breaking the deadlock with a clinical finish.

Kalifa Doumbia then took centre stage, bagging two goals of his own to firmly secure Mali's dominance.

Nouhoum Diani added a late fourth, capping off an emphatic victory that served as a redemptive moment for Mali following their previous loss to Gambia.

This dominant performance catapulted Mali to the second-highest goal tally in the qualifying stage, amassing a total of 13 goals.

With their spirits soaring high, Mali looks poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

Egypt secure qualification with 1-0 victory over Ethiopia

In Group D action, Egypt secured their qualification with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ethiopia.

Mostafa Fathi's first-half strike proved to be the decider in the encounter hosted in Katameya. This narrow win served as a fitting conclusion to Egypt's qualifying campaign, setting a positive tone for their aspirations in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

Having already secured their place in the competition, the Pharaohs wisely rested several key players in preparation for a demanding schedule ahead. Nevertheless, Egypt displayed their mettle by condemning Ethiopia to defeat, setting the stage for a future encounter in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Burkina Faso's bid for Group B control stalls in 0-0 draw against Eswatini

In another fixture, Burkina Faso faced a frustrating deadlock as they were held to a lacklustre 0-0 draw at home by Eswatini.

The Stallions missed a golden opportunity to seize control of Group B, setting the stage for a crucial final qualifier against the Cape Verde Islands on Sunday.

The outcome left fans in anticipation of a thrilling showdown to determine Group B's top contender.

In the realm of African football, these results signify the fierce competition and unwavering determination that define the path to glory in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations.