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Mali Arrests ‘Marabout’ after €33,500 AFCON Victory Promise Ends in Defeat

By Desk Round Reports


A self-proclaimed marabout in Mali has been arrested on suspicion of fraud after allegedly collecting €33,500 from supporters by promising victory for the national team at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The man, identified by associates as Mr Sinayogo, was detained in the capital, Bamako, on Saturday, a day after Mali were eliminated 1–0 by Senegal in the quarter-finals. 

He is being held by the cybercrime division, according to two videographers who visited him.

An associate said Sinayogo had raised more than 22 million CFA francs in donations after presenting himself as a traditional folk healer capable of securing success for the Eagles. 

Following Mali’s defeat, an angry crowd reportedly gathered at his home before police intervened and escorted him away.

“Charlatanism is punishable by law in Mali,” an official at the cybercrime division told newsmen, adding that taking action while the team was still competing would have been difficult “in the heat of the Africa Cup of Nations.”

A social media content creator close to Sinayogo said he had previously been known as a political activist but had “proclaimed himself a marabout overnight and made a fortune.”

On the pitch, Mali’s campaign ended in Tangiers on Friday when Iliman Ndiaye scored in the first half to give Senegal a narrow win in the tournament’s first quarter-final. 

Mali’s task was compounded in first-half stoppage time when captain Yves Bissouma was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.

The decisive goal followed an error by Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, who later produced a series of saves to prevent Senegal extending their lead. 

Ndiaye, the Everton forward, was named player of the match after starting all three group games but missing the last-16 tie against Sudan.

“I am happy to have won the player of the match award, but the most important thing is we have progressed to the semi-finals,” Ndiaye said. 

Senegal, champions in 2022, will face either holders Ivory Coast or seven-time winners Egypt for a place in the final.

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw said his side could have scored more, while Mali coach Tom Saintfiet praised his players’ efforts despite playing much of the match with 10 men.

AFP


READ ALSO: CAF Launches Probe into Misconduct During AFCON 2025 Quarter-finals


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