Igesund picks Mali to win

GORDON Igesund is backing Bafana Bafana conquerors Mali to pull off a stunning Africa Cup of Nations upset in the face of the more favoured Ghana and Nigeria.

The Bafana coach said he was supporting the war-torn west African nation for two reasons: sentiment and style.

"For players burdened by the thought that their country is threatened by civil war, it would be hailed worldwide as a dramatic sentimental triumph," said Igesund.

"And ... I am impressed by the thoughtful, calculated style of soccer employed in the team by French coach Patrice Carteron, something I learnt from bitter experience in our nail-biting defeat."

Mali eliminated Bafana on Saturday in a heartbreaking penalty shootout.

Igesund said he also admired the dedication of 33-year-old Mali captain and former Barcelona great Seydou Keita, whose equalising goal thwarted Bafana in Durban. Keita has also offered to pay bonuses from his own pocket to his players.