Mali was just too good and powerful for Congo during their opening game of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
El Bilal Toure netted a brace to inspire the Malians to a comfortable night and win over Congo in front of their fans at Bamako.
The Eagles of Mali convincingly annihilated their visitors, Congo, 4-0 to open their AFCONQ2023 in proper flying colours inspired by Toure.
The Eagles of Mali have conceded just a goal in their last five matches, keeping four clean sheets. AFP
Mohamed Camara gave a hint of what’s to come when he opened the scoring to put Mali ahead as early as the first minute.
Toure doubled their advantage 10 minutes later before getting his second and Mali’s third to make it 3-0 five minutes before the break.
๐จ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ ๐จ ๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ข ๐ฒ๐ฑ
Itโs the third qualifiers clash between the two teams ๐ซ
Who are you favourites to win this one? โ๏ธ#TotalEnergiesAFCONQ2023 | @FemaFoot pic.twitter.com/yIfP7dhmbL
โ CAF (@CAF_Online) June 4, 2022
Kalifa Coulibaly sealed the deal with the fourth of the half and evening just before halftime to put the game to bed.
An improved display from the visitors in the second half failed to get them anywhere close to even a consolation goal as Mali defended stoutly.
Such was the performance from the home side off the ball as they were on it that Congo couldn’t manage a shot on target from a miserable four attempts.
The Eagles held on for a deserved win and three points to kick off their AFCON2023 qualifiers, keeping a clean sheet for the fourth time in the last five matches.
Elsewhere in the group;
AFCON 2021 sensation, Gambia, looks set to make it back-to-back appearance at Africa’s biggest showpiece after a positive start to the qualifiers.
The Scorpions of Gambia celebrate their win.. Pulse Nigeria
Gambia was made to work hard to see off South Sudan after a hard-fought and narrow 1-0 win.
23-year-old star, Able Jallow was the star of the show for the Gambians as he netted the only goal of the game in first-half stoppage time.
๐น ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐: ๐ฌ๐ฒ 1-0 ๐ธ๐ธ
Ablie Jallow’s late first-half goal was enough to seal a crucial win for the Gambia over South Sudan in round one of the #TotalEnergiesAFCONQ2023 ๐ฆ @ssfa_com | @TheGambiaFF pic.twitter.com/m8TkF4EYlK
โ CAF (@CAF_Online) June 4, 2022
Jallow was also at his creative best, he created three chances, made three key passes, was the most fouled player on the pitch and won 12 duels.
What the results mean
After the opening matches in the group, Mali sits pretty at the top thanks to their superior goal difference, followed by the Gambia in second.
South Sudan is third while Congo finds itself bottom of the log.
