Despite a technical superiority, Mali had to settle for a point against Israel (1-1) in Group D of the Olympic football tournament. The Aiglons may have some regrets, but remain proud of their supporters and the image they have (re)given to Malian football.
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For a match between two countries that have not had any diplomatic relations since 1973 and the Yom Kippur War, this match between Mali and Israel was not as tense as the French authorities had feared. The latter had placed the Parc des Princes under high surveillance (a thousand police officers and gendarmes mobilized), fearing clashes further off the pitch. We weren’t worried.confides the player Moussa Diakité. We were focused on the game “.
While there were some whistles against Israeli supporters, and a slight rise in tension when two Palestinian flags were waved above the stands that hosted the most Hebrew supporters, the match took place in a relatively calm atmosphere. To the point of seeing supporters from both countries posing together with their flags.
“ Tribute to the soldiers… »
On the pitch, the debates were not tense either in a match that Mali very often dominated, even offering themselves a percentage of 67% of possession against 33 at the end of the first period. The Aiglons, technically superior, had control of the ball, reigned in midfield, but were very lacking in finishing. Long under threat from opposing counterattacks, they would end up being surprised by the Israelis who opened the score thanks to an own goal by defender Hamidou Diallo (56th). Badra Diallo’s protégés would manage to equalize through Cheikhna Doumbia (63rd), but would not manage to overthrow the blue and white. There is a little bit of regretadmits midfielder Moussa Diakité. But I liked our reaction after Israel’s goal.. »
The Cadiz player especially liked ” THE support ” and the presence of many Malian supporters at the Parc des Princes. Thousands of fans who did not stop encouraging their Aiglons. ” We were not surprised to see all these supporters. In Paris, we know that there are a lot of Maliansconfides Ahmed Diomande. If it had been the weekend, we would have had even more people.”.
With this frustrating draw, but a good one to take, the Malian Espoirs are also aware of having put Malian football back at the center of the game in this period of conflict between the Malian football federation and the players of the A selection. Moussa Diakité wanted to reaffirm his commitment and that of his teammates: ” We play for parents who stayed behind, but also to pay tribute to the soldiers who fell on the battlefield so that we can be here today. “.
To consult: Schedule, results and medal tables for the 2024 Paris Olympics