[ad_1]
Mali Tribune: When we talk to you about Malian sports, what is the first image that comes to your mind?
Abdel Dembélé: The first thing that comes to mind is definitely the achievements of the Malian athletes. Although it is a bit disappointing, we must look on the bright side. I only look at the good side and tell myself that at least one day everything will be fine.
Mali Tribune: Mali Eagles have declined since last year, where do you think the problem lies?
A D.: After Can, the team experienced a setback. Indeed, considering the quality of our players, we don’t understand why we didn’t go very far.
In Can, the Ivory Coast was on our side. But the coaching was poor and that cost us dearly. Otherwise, I really think we could have done better.
After the Can Cup in March, Mali played two friendlies in Morocco, against Mauritania and then against current African vice-champions Nigeria. We won both games.
These two games made us forget the defeat of the Ghana team, so we mobilized a lot for the World Cup knockout match against Ghana.
The match against Ghana had the same scenario as the Mali/Ivory Coast match: a match we were already playing in. Three changes of coach in the final minutes and the equaliser arrived.
For both meetings, I think it was the coaching side that cost us dearly. Now in the last game against Madagascar, even though Ghana lost, against Madagascar, I count the one point we won as a victory. Look at the conditions in which the players travel. They are human beings like us. To have the players leave Bamako at 11am, arrive at 5am and play at 3pm, I think that is abuse.
Mali was thought to have the upper hand in a 10-vs-11 game because a Madagascar player was sent off in the 16th minute. Still, for me, Mali came away weakened by fatigue and the timing of the journey.
Mali Tribune: When it comes to Madagascar, whose fault is it?
Advertisement. : The problem lies with the sports ministry. They have to take into account prize money, travel and accommodation. The ministry already wants to find an alibi to prove that the Malagasy did not offer the meeting place.
Letter from FIFA to the Mali Football Association, indicating the place, time and date. The letter is dated May 22, 2024. They have at least two weeks to prepare for this meeting.
The Minister has to explain himself. Because, when the first tour was postponed, the Ministry issued a press release saying that the premium had been paid. Everyone knows that since this transition, the arrears have been settled because every time there is a tournament we know that everything is in order.
Mali Tribune: Do you think the change of coach is a response to the problems in Mali football?
A D.: When we look at the goals that the federation gave to the coach, he did not achieve them. The first one was to get Mali to qualify for the Can. He did it. Then, at the Can, at least get to the semifinals. The third goal was to get Mali to qualify for the World Cup.
We are currently 4 points behind Ghana and Comoros in the top two and 2 points behind Madagascar in third place. This means that even if we win all our games, Mali will still qualify.
The goals set for Eric, he did not achieve. It is good to replace him now. But does this mean that Malian football will undergo a revolution or be able to achieve merit in the future? I think there are some small problems at the national team level, which is not the coach’s responsibility. Even if a good coach is introduced, as long as there are problems at the level of the Football Association, it will be difficult for Mali to win the championship, let alone participate in the World Cup finals. There are too many problems within the Football Association and the Ministry of Sports.
Mali Tribune: So what is the solution?
AD. : I will call former football players. In Mali, I think it is difficult for people to retrain after their career ends. Everyone knows that the career of a professional player is only 10 years at most. We, our former internationals, must think about retraining, seek, study football management and become the selectors who save our football.
interviewer
Genevieve Nedumbayel Noño
[ad_2]
Source link
