The Mali national team coach, Eric Chelle, disclosed that two players from his team have contracted malaria during their participation in the African Cup of Nations (CAN). The affected players are Yves Bissouma (Tottenham) and Moussa Diarra (Toulouse).
“Yves and Moussa have malaria. They underwent blood tests, but it’s nothing serious. Those born in West Africa are accustomed to it,” revealed the coach.
“Yves could have played, but Moussa’s case was different. It was the first time he contracted malaria, so he trained in a lighter manner. There is no outbreak,” he emphasized.
It’s worth noting that Bissouma participated in Mali’s defeat against Ivory Coast (1-2 after extra time), which resulted in the elimination of the Malian team from the CAN. Moussa Diarra was an unused substitute.