Al Ahly forward Percy Tau missed an 18th-minute penalty for the Bafana Bafana against The Eagles of Mali in a crunch clash of Group E on Tuesday night in Korhogo.
Referee Mohamed Adel after consulting var awarded a spot kick to South Africa as Percy Tau stepped up and missed it. It was a crucial moment as South Africa was in cruise control of the game.
After the match, Percy Tau apologised to the South Africans and assured them of doing their best in their next game.
“I am sorry I missed the penalty but we will regroup and go again”, said Percy Tau.
South Africa collapsed in the second half and lost 2-0 to Hamari Traore and Lassine Sinayoko’s 60th and 66th-minute strikes.
South Africa will play against neighbours Namibia on 21st January in Korhogo in a must-win game as a defeat will almost end their campaign.