Mali’s national football team faces a significant crisis during its current participation in the Africa Cup of Nations held in Côte d’Ivoire due to the widespread incidence of malaria.
Participating in Group F alongside Tunisia, Namibia, and South Africa, Mali commenced its Africa Cup of Nations journey with a thrilling 2-0 victory against South Africa on Tuesday.
However, the triumph on the pitch has been overshadowed by an unforeseen challenge as Coach Eric Chelle confirmed in post-match statements the struggle faced by players Ivo Pessouma and Moussa Diawara, both diagnosed with malaria.
Yet, it appears the issue extends beyond the initially mentioned duo. Recent media reports confirm the spread of the disease among several players in the Mali national team.
Tunisian media outlets have expressed particular interest in the news of Mali’s players contracting malaria, given that Tunisia is their upcoming opponent in the second round of the tournament.
Citing informed sources, the Tunisian newspaper “Al Chourouk” reported that five Mali national team players, including a goalkeeper, have been afflicted with malaria.
However, the identities of these players, aside from Pessouma and Diawara, remain undisclosed.
Among the Mali squad members is also Aliou Diang, who plays for Al Ahly. His current health status in relation to the malaria outbreak remains undisclosed.
Mali is set to face Tunisia on Saturday, January 20, at 10:00 PM local time, in the second round of the Africa Cup of Nations group stage.
The encounter takes on heightened significance in light of Mali’s unexpected victory against South Africa and the urgent health situation impacting several team members.
