AFCON 2023: Cédric Kanté: "Mali will need a big performance to go through"
Mali and Burkina Faso meet in a West African derby. According to Cédric Kanté, this clash will be tight between two evenly matched sides
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Matches between the two national teams are traditionally tight…
Yes, and that should be the case again on Tuesday night. The two countries are close geographically, but it goes beyond that. It's a fratricidal duel, set to be played in another very close country, where many Malians and Burkinabè live.
Is it easy to pick a favourite?
Honestly, no. You'll tell me that Burkina Faso finished fourth in 2022 in Cameroon, while Mali went out in the last 16. From what the two sides showed in the group stage, it's not easy to form a precise picture. They showed some interesting things, but never gave the impression of controlling a match from start to finish. Mali, for example, had a good second half against South Africa (2-0). It was more even against Tunisia (1-1), while Burkina Faso played a very good game against Algeria (2-2) but were taught a lesson by Angola (0-2). My feeling is that neither team is at its best level yet.
Mali show real defensive solidity, but lack efficiency…
The Eagles conceded only one goal in the group stage, which is indeed the sign of a solid defensive base. But they need to do better in transitions and in the final action. Mali have always had a reputation for technical quality. They still have it, but we didn't see enough of it in the group stage. And if they want to get past Burkina Faso, they will need a big performance.
"We're left wanting a bit more"
It feels as if Eric Chelle, the Eagles' coach, is still looking for a few answers…
He's trying things, experimenting, because I think he's not totally satisfied with what he's seeing. That's also somewhat the case for the Malians, who are left wanting a bit more. You can sense this team has real potential, but it hasn't fully shown it yet.
Are you reassured by the team's physical level since the start of the AFCON?
Yes, in that department they have some fight. Even so, teams are suffering a lot from the heat and humidity. The players are bound to be tired, but they will have had six days between the match against Namibia (0-0) and Tuesday's. There are no injuries to report. The physical side will be important against the Stallions. We should expect an intense match, full of commitment. It will be open. Mali went out in the last 16 at the previous two AFCONs, and that was felt to be a failure each time. They have the chance to qualify and to face Ivory Coast in Bouaké on Saturday, for another big derby.
Alexis Billebault