SOCCER: Bissouma to miss Mali’s Cup of Nations opener

RABAT – Mali will be without midfielder Yves Bissouma for their opening Africa Cup of Nations match on Monday, but coach Tom Saintfiet remains confident the captain will play an important role later in the tournament in Morocco.

Bissouma is one of three players unavailable for the Group A opener against Zambia in Casablanca, along with central defender Sikou Niakate and right back Hamari Traore.

The 29-year-old has yet to feature for Tottenham Hotspur this season after being dropped ahead of the Super Cup clash with Paris Saint-Germain in August. He later underwent ankle surgery after sustaining an injury while playing in a World Cup qualifier.

Bissouma’s 72-minute appearance against Madagascar is the only competitive action he has seen this season.

Saintfiet said on Sunday that Bissouma has returned to training and could be considered for Mali’s second group match against hosts Morocco in Rabat on Friday.

“In many major tournaments, some players start with injuries and then become the most dangerous in the quarterfinals, semifinals, or final,” Saintfiet said.

“Yves is my captain. He’s important, he’s the leader of our team, and we have assurances that he will be ready during the tournament.

“When the matches get tougher, we’ll be glad to have him with us. We need a captain who is present both mentally and physically,” he added. -Reporting by Mark Gleeson; Editing by Ed Osmond/Reuters