The Saints new signing started as Mali ran out 4-1 winners in their Africa Cup of Nations Group E opener.
New Southampton signing Moussa Djenepo featured in Mali’s Africa Cup of Nations Group E opener against Mauritania on Monday night as his nation picked up an impressive 4-1 win (BBC Sport).
The Eagles broke the deadlock against the tournament debutants in the 38th minute when captain Abdoulay Diaby rifled a ferocious effort into the top corner of Brahim Souleimane’s net.
Djenepo, who penned a four-year contract (official Southampton website) to become the club’s first summer arrival, then tested the opposition keeper when he cut inside from the left before shooting towards the near post.
Mali ended the first half two goals to the good when Moussa Marega converted from the penalty spot after Lassana Coulibaly was deemed to have been brought down inside the box.
Monaco’s Adama Traore increased Mali’s advantage before Moctar Sidi El Hacen pulled a goal back from the spot, but Metz’s Adama Traore, subbed on for his namesake, completed the scoring from the edge of the box.
Following the impressive result, Southampton congratulated their new player and his nation on their Twitter feed, hailing their “perfect start”:
While Mali have a solid record in the Africa Cup of Nations, finishing as runners-up once, twice in third place and three times in fourth place, they are yet to win the competition, while the last two tournaments, in 2015 and 2017, yielded group stage exits.
However, such a good start for the Eagles bodes well for the remainder of the tournament, and should they build on this result against Tunisia on Friday 28 June, it will further increase the hopes of Southampton’s £14million man (The Sun) coming back to St Mary’s with a major international medal.
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