Three key players for Bafana Bafana

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Bafana Bafana meet the midfield might of Mali in their AFCON 2023 opener. Here are the key operators.

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MIDFIELD BATTLE IS KEY FOR BAFANA BAFANA IN AFCON OPENER

Teboho Mokoena has been the South African Premier Division’s outstanding midfield general for over a season. In the competitive environment of a major tournament, matches are won and lost in the engine room and the Sundowns maestro will have his work cut out against Mali. This is arguably one of the biggest matches of the Sundowns man’s career, with the Malian Eagles boasting genuine quality in the centre of the park with Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma and RB Leipzig destroyer Amadou Haidara at the base. Mokoena will not only need to keep an eye on Bissouma’s probing and smart movement but also the playmaking skills of Moussa Doumbia who has assisted Mali’s last three goals scored in open play at the Africa Cup of Nations.

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Percy Tau will be a key operator at AFCON. Image: @BafanaBafana / X.

MALI MIDFIELD PACKS A PUNCH

Tondela midfielder Sphephelo ‘Yaya’ Sithole will have to share the considerable workload with Mokoena against Mali’s outstanding central duo. It’s going to be tough toil for the Bafana pairing though. Just ahead of them, the playmaking abilities of Percy Tau will be pivotal to South Africa’s chances of getting a positive result against FIFA’s 51st-ranked nation. Midfield is Mali’s strongest area by far, and Bafana will have to be ready for that. Whoever takes control of this portion of the pitch will give themselves a huge chance of picking up three precious points.

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AFCON Bissouma
Tottenham and Mali midfield maestro Yves Bissouma. Image: SABC Sport

Where will you be watching this intriguing AFCON 2023 opener? Let us know your thoughts and predictions in the comments section below.

Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game.

Also, follow The South African on X for up-to-the-minute news updates.

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