Mali enter Group E of FIFA World Cup qualifying as the favorites to advance as winners in a group containing Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, but circumstances continue to build up against Les Aigles ahead of their opener against Rwanda on Wednesday. Already dealing with the setback of being unable to host their home matches, Mali will have to navigate once again without star midfielder Yves Bissouma. The Brighton player revealed that he has been absent from Mali’s recent matches due to a negative relationship with manager Mohamed Magassouba, who he accused of not being considerate in the past when Bissouma was coming back from a shoulder injury.
Magassouba responded to Bissouma’s comments by saying his side was greater than one player as it appears this is an issue that will carry on and be a distraction for the Mali side as qualifying proceeds.
