I wonder what's up with Mali. I've been expecting good things from them every since they were surprise back-to-back CAN semifinalists in 2002 (when they hosted) and 2004. But they've been consistently disappointing every since. Unfortunate since they do have some talent. I wonder if anyone has any insight on this...
I think the problem is that their best players are similar and play similar positions. Hence whenever you put all of them on the field they don't compliment each other. And the other players aren't always up to par with the best. I think the squad is really missing Sidi Yaya Keita for some creative input in the midfield.
I would love Mali to succeed , I really love Seydou Keita's game, but despite them having one of the best midfield's in Africa, and probably the world quite frankly, a very good striker in Kanoute, they have to be the most overrated team in Africa. They have been very dissapointing so far this tournament.