Sports News Africa :As part of preparation for the second qualifying round CHAN 2023, Mali just drew (0-0) against Guinea in a friendly. Are you satisfied?
Nouhoum Diane I was happy with the three matches that we played. It’s not easy to have those matches. They did everything they could to get them. It was a blessing. It allowed me to understand the collective and individual levels of the players. That was very important. We rotated the team and were able learn about each player’s level.
What lessons can you draw from these friendly matches in concrete terms?
Nouhoum DianeBecause we started a month ago, we didn’t have much time to prepare. It was not an easy task. It was not easy. The difference between having the best players and having a great team is obvious. It’s tied to many factors. Now, we have an idea of the level of the players individually, collectively, and in the team too. Take the match in Mauritania as an example. We had a lot to overcome, but won the match. We conceded a goal in just the fourth minute, which made it a difficult start to the match. We displayed some defensive deficiencies that should not have reached this level even in today’s match (Monday Aug 22). It does not forgive. We must learn from our mistakes.
We saw a lot more changes than the team that played in Mauritania. Why?
Nouhoum DianeI decided to do some touch-ups on my return from Mauritania. Because I had left five to 6 players in Bamako. I had to be able to judge the skill level of these players before I could play in a match like this. Here are the reasons I rotated my workforce.
On Saturday 27 August, Sierra Leone will face Mali. Do you have any idea of your opponent?
Nouhoum Diane I have an idea of this team. Most of the local players from Sierra Leone and Gambia play in their national A team. This is a good start. The second point is that I was able to see the game against Cape Verde.
“Against Sierra Leone, I expect a complicated match. But I’m used this type of confrontation. We will prepare well to win and qualify for CHAN 2023.”
How is the meeting progressing?
Nouhoum DianeI’m used to a complex game. I’m used a this type of confrontation. We will prepare well to win, and we will qualify. Our goal is to get to the next round. We will do everything possible to achieve that goal.
Is it an advantage to play in Monrovia Liberia and not in your opponent’s country?
Nouhoum DianeFootball has changed, and all countries have made progress. I don’t see any difference in playing away or at home. We will play in Monrovia. It’s the same as when we play Mali. We will prepare the players. We will prepare in the hope that we win. The goal is for Mali to qualify.
At the same time, you are the coach of AS Réal de Bamako. How do you manage these two roles?
Nouhoum DianeIt’s not an easy task. But the Federation leaders and club leaders have confidence in me and I am ready to accept this challenge. It is not easy because it is so rewarding for his country and the love of this coaching profession.
During this period, many of your players will be in high demand. How do you deal with this?
Nouhoum Diane We can’t do any against that. This is one of the problems at the local team’s level, at least in Mali. The best players leave Mali and go to Tunisia, Morocco or Guinea, where they are more appreciated. These countries are able to keep their players home, but that’s the problem. This is why I try to expand the list at the beginning of preparation. The case Siaka Bakayoko He is here. After a great tournament, he will play the final of CHAN Cameroon 2021. He is leaving. Today, I had been counting on him a lot. It is not always easy.
Drissa NIONO
Source: sportnewsafrica
