Not many of us know many professional footballers from Mali, as most of us are expecting Ivory Coast and Ghana to win the African Nations cup, however what can we expect from Mali?
Mali haven’t really shone at the African cup of nations in the last few years, the last two tournaments in 2008 and 2010 they went out in round one, but they have finished 4th 3 times, in 2002,2004 and 1994, and they even finished 2nd in 1972. However although the last few years they haven’t exactly done fantastically …
Mali 3 (Kanoute 1, Keita 4, Bagayoko 86)
Malawi 1 (Mwafulirwa 58)
Mali had enough to see off Malawi 3-1 in Cabina, but failed to qualify for the African Cup of Nations quarter-finals as a result of Angola’s controversial scoreless draw with Algeria.
Their elimination will come as a bitter disappointment to coach, Stephen Keshi, and his band of star players, who had targeted the competition’s Final pre-tournament.
Mali prepare for failure
Frederic Kanoute put the Eagles in front in under a minute and Seydou Keita was on the scoresheet moments later as Mali raced …
Mali take on Malawi on Monday knowing only a win will give them a chance of reaching the African Cup of Nations quarter-finals. Thus far, the Eagles have lived up to their perennial underachievers tag. However, a remarkable four goal comeback against Angola and Malawi’s surprising 3-0 thumping of Algeria means they still retain a realistic hope of progression.
Manager, Stephen Keshi, predicted big things pre-tournament, although many would argue apart from a 13-minute, four goal blitz that the Eagles have failed to show up in Angola. Wholesale changes were made …
Mali’s latest away shirt (below) has been released in their opening African Cup of Nations fixture against tournament hosts, Angola.
French manufacturer, Airness, are represented solely at CAF 2010 by the Eagles and have invented a kit that combines Malian pride with the most fashionable and contemporary technology around.
The finished article is another modern, yet original, product that will help sustain and further enhance the already blossoming relationship between Mali and Airness. Keeping faith with the traditional white model, the Airness logo can be found stitched central, just below the neck, …
Mali 0
Algeria 1 (Halliche 43)
The Eagles were unable to build on their opening game heroics as they succumbed to a 43rd minute Rafik Halliche strike against Algeria in Cidadela on Thursday.
The match was viewed as an opportunity for Mali to send the World Cup qualifiers home after their horrific first game defeat to Malawi.
However, it was the Desert Foxes who hit back at their critics, leaving all four teams with a chance of qualification in the group’s final set of fixtures this Monday.
Algeria celebrate Hallinche’s winner
Before the game Eagles coach, …
Defensive carnage rescued by resiliency personified would just about sum up Mali’s opening result in this year’s African Cup of Nations. Rescuing a four goal deficit with 11 minutes remaining against Angola may not have been part of coach, Stephen Keshi’s, pre-match prep talk, but at least he knows his team contain a character and ability to go for the jugular when blood is smelt.
Kanoute celebrates comeback
The same may not be said of Algeria coach, Rabah Saadane. The former Yemen manager could only look on as he watched his side …
“And the cry was no defenders” as Mali launched a 13 minute goal avalanche that hijacked Angola’s seemingly unassailable lead and sparked mass celebration amongst the Eagles faithful.
Injury time strikes from Seydou Keita and Mustapha Yatabare helped Mali restore parity from four goals down and record possibly the most remarkable recovery in modern day international football.
Malian delight
The tournament began amongst a sombre atmosphere after the events that led to Togo’s withdrawal. However, the hosts started the match brightly until they were forced into an early substitution, with Djalma Campos replacing …
The Eagles will compete at this years African Cup of Nations in Angola in their traditional home green shirt. French manufacturers, Airness, have designed an elegant and contemporary dark green kit that Mali will use in their group games and hopefully beyond this January.
With the colours of the national flag embroiled across the chest and the Malian crest in the top left corner, the players will be left in no doubt of their identity when competing in Angola.
The manufacturer’s logo is stitched central, just below the collar and again on …
After a traumatic number of days the African Cup of Nations kicks off in Luanda this evening with the validity of the competition still under the microscope after an organised ambush on Togolese players. Hosts, Angola, take on Mali in what could well prove a decisive fixture in who progresses to the knockout phase. However, fatal events off the park have added enhanced significance to security and affected the glamour of Angola’s inaugural hosting of the event.
Prior to the attack on the Togolese, Mali would have viewed this as a …
If you scroll through Mali’s squad for the African Cup of Nations no prizes will be given for guessing on which individual’s shoulders success will hinge. Despite a large contingent of European based players, only a handful can lay claim to being genuine household names. The Eagles are often criticised for their failure to balance their less-established players with star names. Once again, this factor could prove decisive in deciding whether Mali triumph or falter. However, without their star attractions the Eagles title bid would be laughed out the door, …
