ACTUALITE |
17.10.2001
High hopes for Mali
Malian hearts are understandably in high spirits after the national team`s Nations Cup preparations got off to a flying start.
Mali won the recent four-nation friendly tournament in Bamako which also featured South Africa, Morocco and Gambia.
The Eagles chalked up two victories which should allay widespread fears among their fans that the team were destined to be the whipping boys of the Nations Cup finals.
Indeed, pressure had been mounting on the Malian football authorities, following the team`s 6-0 drubbing at the hands of French side Guingamp in a friendly in France.
Revelation
But after two wins in the Bamako tournament over South Africa and Morocco, it now seems probable that the hosts may cause an upset or two when the Nations Cup circus comes to town.
The revelation of the tournament, as far as Mali are concerned, was Seydou Keita, whose deft left foot was behind most of their attacks.
Seydou`s star shone brightest in a squad of several foreign-based players, including some who made an impact at international junior competitions.
Seydou Keita`s deft left foot is crucial to Mali`s cause
One of them, Mahamadou Dissa, made history by becoming the first player to score in the brand new 26th March Stadium.
Part of Mali`s dynamism against the South Africans was their use of an effective play-maker.
Seydou took to this role like a duck to water. Pace and skill were also important elements in the Eagles` performances.
But against a Moroccan team devoid of their top international stars, the Malians could not find their rhythm.
Technical shortfalls
Despite the 2-1 win, the Malian defenders struggled to contain the North Africans, especially during counter-attacks.
But the fact that Mali found the back of the net twice against the Atlas Lions should be viewed as a sign of improvement.
There is little doubt, though, that the Nations Cup hosts need more top-notch friendlies to work on the technical shortfalls exposed by the Bamako tournament.
The forthcoming Cabral Cup will provide new coach Henri Kasperzack with an ideal opportunity to fine-tune those weakenesses.
But a lot will depend on whether Kasperzack employs the defensive tactics he once used as Tunisian coach, or the all-out attack mode of his African debut with Ivory Coast in 1994.
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Hits: 1 | Source:BBC | |
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