Malian midfielder Mohammed Sissoko says its unfortunate they have not won more titles
Sissoko: A shame Mali has not won titles
Posted: 2012-01-24 10:57
Malian midfielder Mohammed Sissoko said that it is unfortunate that his country was not able to transform its array of football talents into trophies as the Eagles prepare to play their first game of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations against Guinea on Tuesday.
The Paris Saint Germain player said that his country has been unlucky not to have done better on the international stage with players that included Frederic Kanoute, Mahamadou Diarra and Seydou Keita, all top performers at their clubs.
Despite their impressive squad, Mali fell in the first round of the last tournament in Angola after posting a 4-4 opening day draw with the hosts.
"Unfortunately, despite having lots of players from top leagues, we haven't managed to go all the way in competitions," Sissoko told Fifa.com.
"It's a shame, but I really do think that the next generation is there. Things didn't work out because we weren't a solid, tight-knit group."
The Eagles will face their neighbours, the Syli Nationale, in Franceville with a younger team that is led by Keita. Sissoko is not taking part in tournament, and is currently recovering from an injury.
"I've drawn a line under my international career for the time being," he said. "I've been injured a lot over the past two years. Now, thankfully, everything is fine as far as injuries are concerned. I'm working with good doctors and physical trainers who have helped me to get myself back on track and anticipate possible injuries."
: 2012-01-24 12:26
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