Yves Bissouma seeks redemption at AFCON after Tottenham club ban and late Mali call | OneFootball

Late call-up to this AFCON and frozen out at Tottenham, Yves Bissouma has captained Mali in their last two games. The 29-year-old now faces Tunisia on Saturday at 20:00 with a point to prove.

His terse 25 December press conference on the eve of the 1-1 draw with Morocco puzzled observers, and a figure close to the camp criticised his nonchalance, saying it jarred with Mali’s values. According to L'Équipe, even those in the room struggled to see why he was put up when he clearly looked reluctant.

He has not played a minute for Tottenham this season. The issue was addressed early, with coach Thomas Frank saying he missed a trip for disciplinary reasons after repeated lateness, speaking before the European Super Cup against Paris-SG on 13 August. He was left off the Champions League list, then in October injured an ankle for Mali against Madagascar in a 4-1 win, had surgery, and in early December faced an internal case over nitrous oxide after a suspension in August 2024.

Former Mali international Brahim Thiam questioned the impact Bissouma has made, calling him talented yet inconsistent and at times a burden, while noting he impressed in May’s Europa League final, a 1-0 win over Manchester United. He said Riyad Mahrez later showed he could still contribute after criticism at the last AFCON.

Saintfiet remains convinced Bissouma can deliver. Cédric Kanté praised his tight-space dribbling and felt at this AFCON he lacks rhythm, ran himself out against Morocco and sat too deep versus Comoros in the 0-0. He would prefer him as a No 10 with Mamadou Sangaré and Mahamadou Doumbia.

Christophe Galtier, his former Lille coach, portrayed an emotional yet giving player with pace, explosiveness and technique who owns his small mistakes. Mali now simply hope the brightest version turns up against Tunisia.

Source: L'Équipe