Captain of the Malian national team, Seydou Keita, has said that they are looking forward to winning their semi-final clash against Nigeria on Wednesday, to put smiles on the faces of their compatriots, back home in their country ravaged by war.
Mali progressed to the last four, after defeating hosts South Africa on penalties and are trying to get through to the finals, where they might face Ghana or Burkina Faso.
“The situation at home is beginning to be normal and we want to be able to bring joy to the people of Mali,” Keita said at the pre-match press conference.
The former Barcelona midfielder, also expressed his admiration and respect for the Nigerian team and said it wasn’t about settling scores – Keita led an Under-20 side that defeated Nigeria, when they hosted the World Youth Championship in 1999.
“I respect Yobo,” he said. “But tomorrow’s game is not going to be between the two captains, it’s going to be a collective effort of our team.
“It’s true that I haven’t won any trophy with Mali but now we have a chance in the semi final to win something. We need to win tomorrow’s game and get into the final before then,” he said.
Keita also spoke about facing former manager of their national team, Stephen Keshi, who was in charge for two years and took them to the Africa Nations Cup in 2010.
He said: “It’s true that Keshi knows us very well and we know him very well too but it’s going to be a very tough game.
“It’s our third time in the semi final. We’d like this time to go further and to win it.”
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