WCQ: 'Mali are far from being eliminated' - Traore

After losing 1-0 against Tunisia at their home ground of the Stade du 26 mars de Bamako in the qualifying play-off for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Mali are far from being eliminated, assured their captain Hamari Traore.

“We are disappointed with the result but it’s only the first leg. We have the means and the will to do it, to succeed in this historic qualification,” said captain Hamari Traoré, who was suspended for this first meeting.

“The players got their jerseys wet, we weren’t able to take advantage of our highlights.”

“I’m going to take this opportunity to congratulate the public who came out en masse, it’s just a false start and I hope the public will continue to support us.”

“We have the means and the will to do it, to succeed in this historic qualification,” he added.

Silent on Friday against Tunisia, striker Ibrahima Koné, who scored three goals at CAN TotalEnergies 2021, also keeps the faith of seeing his team qualify for the World Cup.