Annoyed Mali: ‘Thank you FIFA‘
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 23.12.25. | 16:04
Eagles' boss was furious as his two defenders got injured while playing for their clubs
On paper, Mali had a much stronger team than Zambia. The Eagles boast a number of players who are members of strong European teams, but all Chipolopolo needed was one star – Leicester‘s Patson Daka, to equalize and take a point from a favorized opponent. But the injury time stunner has nothing to do with misfortune – Mali were a better opponent but didn‘t use numerous chances to secure the game long before the 90th minute, including a missed penalty in the 42nd minute. And yet, the Mali boss was angry with FIFA.
As you can guess, it‘s that decision which the football governing body made and allowed clubs to keep the African players for one week longer. Not only the players came to the training camps too late, but some of them got injured during their last games, and that‘s exactly what Tom Saintfiet experienced. Sikou Niakate from Braga and Hamari Traore from Paris FC were injured in their last games prior to AFCON, games which they wouldn‘t play if it wasn‘t for FIFA‘s decision.
“FIFA has decided that players must play their last match six or seven days before a major tournament. Two of my players were injured during their last matches. Thanks to FIFA for that. They're not available for a few weeks. If we stay in the tournament for a long time, they can play" he said to Canal+ Sport Afrique.
Niakate and Traore are recovering in Mali camp but they will be available only if their team progress beyond the group stage. After an unexpected draw with Zambia, Mali now faces tournament favorites Morocco before playing Comoros in the last game of the group stage.
Tuesday
15.30: (1.67) DR Congo (3.50) Benin (5.80)
18.00: (1.25) Senegal (5.70) Botswana (13.0)
20.30: (1.45) Nigeria (4.20) Tanzania (8.00)
23.00: (1.70) Tunisia (3.50) Uganda (5.50)
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