AFCON 2015: Kanouté Slams Draw Decision After Mali’s Exit
Mali’s exit from the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations has sparked emotional reactions across the football world, with former international Frédéric Kanouté voicing his frustration over the manner of the team’s elimination.
The Eagles were knocked out on Thursday after a rare drawing of lots by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) determined that Guinea, not Mali, would advance to the quarter-finals. Both teams had finished Group D level on points, goals scored, and goals conceded, leaving CAF no option but to resort to a draw, as stipulated in Article 74 of the competition rules.
Guinea were declared the winners of the draw and will now face Ghana in the quarter-finals on Sunday in Malabo.
Kanouté, who represented Mali at multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and remains one of the country’s most respected football figures, took to Twitter to express his disappointment.
“It’s sad to see Mali or anyone else leave the 2015 African Cup of Nations like this. This is no longer sport,” he wrote, before offering words of support to the Guinean side: “But courage to our Guinean brothers.”
The former Sevilla and Tottenham striker echoed sentiments shared by many Mali fans, players, and officials, who have criticised the use of a random draw to settle such a crucial sporting outcome.
Mali Football Federation president Boubacar Baba Diarra also condemned the method, calling it “the worst cruelty” and suggesting CAF review its regulations to incorporate more sporting-based tie-breakers, such as fair play or other performance metrics.
While Guinea celebrated their luck and resilience — especially after having to play their qualifying matches abroad due to the Ebola crisis — many neutral observers have described the outcome as unsatisfying and unworthy of a major continental tournament.
As the quarter-finals approach, Guinea’s focus now shifts to their high-stakes clash with Ghana, while Mali are left to reflect on what might have been.
