Catching up with Mali

Well, folks, a post on this Mali blog is long overdue. I have neglected this page for far too long. After being so ramped up and involved during the Africa Cup of Nations, I went into withdrawal and took some time off from posting here and on the Togo page knowing that in a few short months World Cup qualifying would be in full swing. Now that we have arrived at that point, it’s time to kick things back into gear.

So, what have the Eagles of Mali been up to so far in Round 2 of African qualifying for WC 2010? Well, just about perfection I’d say. The only blemish for them in Group 10 is a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Sudan. Mix that in with victories over fellow groupies Chad, Congo, and the aforementioned Sudan, and you’ve got Mali atop the group with 9 out of a possible 12 points and an impressive 11 goals for, 5 of which having been scored by Freddy Kanoute.

Although advancement isn’t a lock yet, things are looking pretty good as there are 8 runner up spots available in this Round 2 of African qualifying should Mali trip up in the final 2 matches and get passed by Les Diables Rouges of Congo.

It will all be much clearer at the conclusion of the Mali-Congo clash which will be this Sunday the 7th in Congo. Stay tuned…