A self-styled marabout, or traditional healer, who allegedly took €33,500 after promising to secure Mali’s victory at the Africa Cup of Nations has been arrested for fraud following the team’s elimination from the tournament.
Mali were knocked out of the competition last Friday after a 1–0 quarter-final defeat to Senegal. The suspect, identified only as Mr Sinayogo, is said to have collected more than 22 million CFA francs in donations, according to one of his associates.
After Mali’s loss, an angry crowd reportedly gathered at Sinayogo’s residence before police intervened and escorted him away. He was arrested in the Malian capital, Bamako, on Saturday on suspicion of fraud and is being held by the cybercrime division, according to two videographers who visited him.
“Charlatanism is punishable by law in Mali,” an official from the division told AFP, noting that taking action while the national team was still in the tournament would have been difficult “in the heat of the Africa Cup of Nations.”
A former political activist, Sinayogo allegedly “proclaimed himself a marabout overnight and made a fortune,” according to a social media content creator familiar with his activities.
Senegal Triumph
Senegal secured a 1–0 victory over 10-man Mali in Tangiers on Friday in the first quarter-final of the Africa Cup of Nations, thanks to a first-half goal from recalled forward Iliman Ndiaye.
Mali’s hopes suffered a major setback in first-half stoppage time when captain Yves Bissouma was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. The decisive goal came after a mistake by Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, who later redeemed himself with a series of fine saves to prevent Senegal from extending their lead.
The 2022 champions, aiming for a third final appearance in four editions, will face either defending champions Ivory Coast or record seven-time winners Egypt in the semi-finals.
“I’m happy to win the player of the match award, but the most important thing is that we’ve reached the semi-finals,” said Ndiaye. “We played well and are improving with every game.”
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw admitted the contest was challenging, saying: “It was not an easy match against a very talented Mali side. If we had been more clinical, we could have scored more.”
Mali coach Tom Saintfiet praised his players despite the defeat. “It was a difficult game for us because we had to play half of it with 10 men,” he said. “I am proud of the players for their performance throughout the AFCON.”
Bissouma had earlier been booked for a foul on Senegal striker and two-time African Player of the Year Sadio Mané, while Mali forward Lassine Sinayoko later missed a clear chance after being denied by a superb sliding tackle from Krépin Diatta.
