Mali secured the third step on the podium of the African Cup of Nations (CAN) by defeating Ghana 3-1 in the small final, successfully repeating their achievement from the previous year. The Eagles showcased resilience and determination, especially in the second half, earning praise from their coach, Patrice Carteron.
Carteron expressed his admiration for the team’s mental strength, stating, “This 3rd place is extraordinary. It’s good to be able to get on the podium for a second year in a row, in a tougher competition than in 2012.” He highlighted the challenging nature of the tournament, with notable teams like Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Zambia, Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco facing early eliminations.
Despite the disappointment of falling short in the semi-finals, Carteron commended the players for their fantastic performance and their strong desire to bring home a medal. He described the team as a “great generation” and emphasized the historical significance of finishing third in consecutive years, a feat unprecedented in Mali’s football history. The coach celebrated the remarkable achievement, stating, “It’s truly a great generation.”
