Eagles coach, Baye Ba states that his charges are ready for the Total U-20 Africa Cup of the Nations in Zambia, slated for 26th February 2017.
In a Q & A Interview with a local French website abamako.com, the former Eaglets coach said, that the preparations are going well–the team was ready to compete at the tourney.
“The Preparations are going very well. We started 2 weeks ago, 1 week at Stade 26 Mars, and today we are in Kabala, were we will continue until the day of our departure to South Africa for further preparations there” Said Ba.
However, Ba lamented about the state of the pitch in Kabala. Though, he was consoled by the Sports minister, honorable Hussein Guindo, who instructed relevant authorities to work on them.
Ba, revealed that majority of players in his squad plies their trade abroad and are expected to be in camp by 5th February 2017 [Yesterday].
The only player who is doubtful to join the camp, is Manchester City target Aly Malle, whose club has refused to release him.
Asked about Mali’s chances, Ba said “I think we are favourites as usual. Because we have done incredibly at youth level. At the previous U20 AFCON, we finished 4th, so this time we are wishing to come back home with something.
“We are aware of what awaits us at this tournament, which is why we prepare for it with all the seriousness in order to get good results and satisfy the people in Mali”.
Opponent’s Watch
The 2015 AFCON U17 winning coach, Ba said–he’s been looking for information about their opponents on social media and through his colleagues out there, to know the strengths and weakness, so as to work on them.
In summary, Baye Ba appealed to everyone in Mali for support, because in the U20s lies the only hope of bringing back their smiles on the face–after the senior team’s first round elimination at 2017 Africa Cup of the Nations, in Gabon.
Baye Ba will be hoping to carbon copy his successful story with the U17s–inspiring them to the 2015 Africa Youth Championship triumph in Niger and runners up of the Chile FIFA World Cup.
In Zambia, Mali will commence their campaign with Egypt before facing off with the hosts and wrapping off the tournament against Guinea.
