Lassine Sinayoko, the Malian forward for AJ Auxerre, has opened up about the painful memory of Mali’s quarter-final defeat in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the hands of Côte d’Ivoire. In a dramatic match that saw the Eagles on the brink of the semi-finals, an 89th-minute collapse led to a 1-2 loss, a result Sinayoko admits still haunts him.
The match, held on February 3, 2024, had seemed firmly in Mali’s control.
Nene Dorgeles’ goal in the 71st minute had given the Eagles a vital lead, and with Côte d’Ivoire reduced to ten men following the sending off of Odilon Kossounou in the 43rd minute, the semi-final spot appeared all but secured.
However, in the dying moments of regular time, the Ivorian team pulled off a stunning comeback.
Simon Adingra netted an equalizer in the 90th minute, and Oumar Diakité’s dramatic goal in the second minute of extra time secured Côte d’Ivoire’s place in the semi-final, leaving Mali reeling.
Speaking to *Sport News Africa*, Sinayoko, who started in that ill-fated quarter-final, did not shy away from expressing his lingering disappointment.
“Personally, I think about it constantly,” said the 24-year-old striker.
“Whenever I hear the words AFCON or Côte d’Ivoire, it hurts me because that was a match we should never have lost.
Never in my life. But at the same time, that’s what makes football so beautiful.
We only have ourselves to blame, but we’ll try to make up for it.”
The defeat, described by Sinayoko as a “huge disappointment,” was particularly bitter for Mali, as they were one of the favourites to go far in the tournament, especially after Senegal’s unexpected exit in the round of 16.
The Eagles had looked set for a deep run, but instead were left to reflect on what might have been.
Despite the heartbreak, Sinayoko and his Malian teammates now turn their focus to the future, particularly the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Under the guidance of new coach Tom Saintfiet, Mali will be aiming to secure their place in the next tournament.
Although Sinayoko revealed he has yet to have direct contact with Saintfiet, he remains focused on the upcoming challenges.
Mali currently sit second in Group I with 4 points and will face Guinea-Bissau twice in crucial back-to-back fixtures.
The first match will take place in Bamako on October 11, followed by the return leg in Bissau on October 14.
These matches will be vital for Mali’s hopes of advancing to AFCON 2025, where they will look to put their past disappointments behind them.
As for Sinayoko, he remains determined to make amends for the crushing defeat to Côte d’Ivoire.
“We can only blame ourselves,” he said. “But we’re going to try to make up for it.”
