Sports
Mali Beat Bafana To Reach Semis
Mali beat Bafana Bafana 3-1 in a penalty shoot-out to reach the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals after the teams were tied 1-1 after extra-time.
Bafana scored first during the first-half through Tokelo Rantie and Seydou Keita got the equaliser in the second half.
The hosts played very well in the first-half dictating play through the midfield and deserved to go into the break leading but Mali played well in the second half and when they scored early in the second half it seemed to knock the wind out of Bafana. Extra-time was fairly even with both sides having slight chances to score.
South Africa started the match well putting Mali under pressure, getting the crowd on their side from the start.
Bernard Parker found space in the 6th minute but his shot lacked direction and did not trouble the Mali keeper.
Seydou Keita hammered and powered in a shot from distance in the 9th minute, but it went well over the bar.
In the 13th minute Mahlangu burst into the danger area beating defenders, passing to Letsholonyane but nothing came of it.
Mahlangu turned the Mali defence with a great through ball to Tokelo Rantie, but keeper Diakite just beat Rantie to the ball.
Bafana took the lead in the 31st minute when Mahlangu broke free and slipped the ball to his left to Thuso Phala, who whipped a pass across goal for Rantie to stab home from close-range, 1-0.
Goal scorer Rantie had to be replaced by Lehlohonolo Majoro in the 44th minute due to an injury.
Majoro was put through on goal by Letsholonyane in the 55th minute but good defending and brave goalkeeping saw the chance go to waste.
An unmarked Keita scored for Mali in the 58th minute against the run of play when he got on the end of a Mahamadou Samassa cross and put his header past Khune to bring Mali level, 1-1.
Then a mistake by Gaxa four minutes later allowed Samassa a shot at goal, but Khune saved well. Then it was Mahlangu who went close in the 80th minute after a good combination with Majoro that resulted in a first time effort on goal, which was saved.
The match went into extra-time with both sides looking fatigued but giving away nothing and the match ended 1-1 after 30 minutes.
Mali kept their nerve in the penalty shoot-out as Bafana failed to score three of their four penalties while Mali did not miss. The Mali goalkeeper was the star of the shoot-out making three saves.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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