Sambou Yatabaré left the Mali squad during the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN 2013) after the first two matches. The midfielder, who felt he wasn’t getting enough playing time, had a discussion with coach Patrice Carteron and decided to leave the team.
Carteron confirmed the situation, stating, “He came to see me after the two matches. We talked for about twenty minutes. I told him that I was counting on him, that we needed him, but he told me that he was unhappy with his situation and preferred to leave his teammates.”
Yatabaré’s departure will be a blow to Mali, who are currently in second place in Group B. Mali’s coach, however, expressed his determination to focus on the upcoming match against DR Congo.
