Yves Bissouma sends apology to Malians after exit

Mali captain Yves Bissouma has aplogised to the people of Mali following their exit from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Senegal booked their place in the semi-finals of the AFCON after edging Mali 1-0 in a tense quarter-final clash at the Grand Stade de Tanger on Friday night. The match saw Mali reduced to ten men when their captain, Bissouma, was sent off in added time at the end of the first half.

The breakthrough came in the 27th minute when Iliman Ndiaye capitalised on a goalkeeping error from Mali’s Djigui Diarra inside the penalty area. Reacting quickest to the loose ball, the Senegal forward calmly finished from close range to score what proved to be the match-winning goal.

Below is the statement from Bissouma;

“Dear Malians, dear Malians, dear supporters, It is with a heavy heart and great bitterness that I write these few words today because as you know, yesterday again, my brothers and I went to the field to defend the colors of our country.

Football is an unpredictable sport, with its own realities: sometimes, the desired scenario comes true; other times, fate decides otherwise. But one thing is certain, my teammates and I gave it our all. From the first to the last minute of this competition, we fought with application, commitment and pride.

Never would we have reached this level without your unwavering support, without the strength you give us, wherever you are. Red card is an arbitrary decision and I respect it. Not wanting to be presumptive, I still remain convinced that we didn’t have to get there, especially in such a crucial quarter-final, both for the fairness and the spectacle offered by both teams.

No matter what, I’m not hiding behind that decision. I assume. And I say it with all my heart: I will never hesitate to fight for my country, even if I had to leave my life on the field. To my teammates, my brothers, my staff: thank you. Thank you for not making any effort for the country. Thank you for wetting the jersey with your heart. I am proud of you.

Proud of us. This competition reminded us again how strong we are when we are united. Failure is not fatal. It’s a new chance that life offers us to correct some things and come back even more determined.

To all Malians, across the world, we are coming home to work even harder and come back stronger. Above all, do not forget that our objective is a common dream: for us, for all Malians, May Allah bless Mali One people, one goal, one faith.”