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.
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.