At a time when Mali's attack is a cause for concern with the AFCON 2023 just around the corner, there's some bad news in the Eagles' nest. Ibrahima Koné, one of the spearheads of the attacking line, will miss the big continental event.
The image was terrible, almost unbearable. Instead of a trapped ankle, we'd like to see a flip flap, a curl or splice, a cross...and a goal. But during the friendly match between Mali and Uganda, a sad scenario unfolded in the 30th minute. Ibrahima Koné twisted his ankle and was unable to continue. The look on the faces of his team-mates (see photo) was enough to suggest that the injury was serious and that the Almeria striker (Spanish Liga) was on the fast track to forfeit his place at the AFCON 2023. The worst prediction we'd ever feared. And it came down like a bolt from the blue on Saturday, October 14.
Ibrahima Koné has suffered a fracture combined with a dislocation and sprain. An explosive cocktail. AFCON over! Unfortunately, Ibrahima Koné will have to follow the Eagles' performances from the comfort of his sofa, perhaps in a cast.
Full support from his teammates and the Federation
Ibrahima KonéIbrahima Koné may have abandoned his team-mates in the match against Uganda, but they have not forgotten him. When Lassine Sinayogo scored in the 70th minute, they paid him a heartfelt tribute by holding up Koné's shirt. Better still, at the end of the match, his partners went to the clinic where he was being treated to show him their full support. "Ibrahima Koné received, in his hospital bed, the visit and support of the members of the Femafoot executive committee dispatched by President Bavieux Touré, the technical staff and his team-mates", wrote the Malian soccer body.
"A message of support and a photo featuring his teammates in the company of players from the Uganda team holding his match jersey was sent to him at the end of the match won by the Eagles (1-0)." Comforting!
Even if the pain the player is indeed feeling, especially at the thought of missing the AFCON, will probably have no ointment to ease it. "Ibrahima Koné will join his club (Almeria) in Spain this evening (Saturday, October 14) where he will receive further in-depth medical care in the company of Dr. Halidou Maiga.In fact, all arrangements have already been made for him to undergo surgery on Monday (October 16) in Spain", says a Femafoot press release.
Mali is in Pool E at the next AFCON with Tunisia, but also with South Africa and Namibia.
