Mali coach Eric Chelle has confirmed that Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma was suffering from Malaria throughout the team’s journey at AFCON.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Bissouma, along with defender Moussa Diarra, apparently played at the AFCON with Malaria, as Chelle confirmed after the team’s heartbreaking exit from AFCON on Saturday. The Eagles went down 2-1 against hosts Ivory Coast, who scored an equaliser in the 90th minute and then netted the winner in the 121st minute of extra-time to book a berth in the semi-finals.
WHAT HAS BEEN SAID
Speaking to reporters, Chelle said: “You know Yves and Moussa were suffering from malaria, regarding the blood tests. It’s not so serious, because someone born in West Africa is used to malaria, he could play but for Moussa it was different. It was the first time he contracted malaria, so he started some light training. We’ll take things carefully, but there’s no outbreak or anything.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The quarter-final clash ended in ugly scenes as Mali players were seen protesting against the referee after the match. Three players were sent off during the game, starting with Ivory Coast’s Odilon Kossounou, who was dismissed just before half-time for two yellow cards. Towards the end of the game, Oumar Diakite was shown a second yellow card for celebrating his winner by taking off his shirt, while Mali’s Hamari Traore was given his marching order for protesting against the match officials.
WHAT NEXT FOR YVES BISSOUMA?
The 23-year-old will now switch focus back to his club duties at Spurs, provided he is given a clean bill of health, and could be back on the pitch next Saturday as Ange Postecoglou’s side face Brighton in the Premier League.
