We are dreaming of glory, says Mali coach

JOHANNESBURG: French coach Patrice Carteron says Mali will continue to dream of glory as they prepare to confront Ivory Coast or Nigeria for an Africa Cup of Nations final place.
The Eagles played party poopers for the second consective tournament when they eliminated hosts South Africa 3-1 on penalties after a tense, tight quarter-final finished 1-1 after extra time in Durban Saturday.
A year ago almost to the day, Mali dumped co-hosts Gabon out of 2012 Africa Cup in identical fashion, winning on penalties after coming from behind during regular time to force a 1-1 draw.
While the team was in Gabon there was a military coup in Bamako and as they took on South Africa, Malian troops supported by forces from France and other African states had Islamist extremists on the run.
The militants, who banned citizens in centers like historical Timbuktu from watching football on TV during a 10-month reign of terror, had seized control of the vast morthern region and were closing on Bamako until France intervened.
Mali finished third a year ago under 1980s France star Alain Giresse and younger compatriot and former Sunderland defender Carteron has taken the baton and impressed in his first major coaching challenge.
“We do not know what lies ahead — but we know that we are involved in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup,” said the man whose track-suit pants and t-shirt contrasted with the suit and tie of South Africa coach Gordon Igesund.
“Who knows? The squad are allowed to dream of winning and playing in the final,” added the 42-year-old, who displayed touchline calmness when his team were under the cosh during the opening half against South Africa.
Tokelo Rantie put South Africa ahead in a first half dominated by Bafana Bafana (The Boys) only for veteran Mali captain Seydou Keita to nod an equalizer just short of the hour mark.
While Cheick Tidiane Diabate, Adama Tamboura and Mahamane Traore dispatched shootout kicks into the net, only Siphiwe Tshabalala scored for South Africa with Soumbeyla Diakite saving two while another was fired wide.
“South Africa were very tough to play against and once again we conceded an early goal, but my players showed high levels of concentration and managed to come back into the game,” said Carteron.
“I had to make my contribution — we changed some things during half-time — but our success was achieved through contributions from every player. We always play to win.”
Diakite from Banako-based Stade Malien — one of only three locals in the 23-man squad — faced South Africa only because first choice Mamadou Samassa was suspended having picked up two yellow cards during the group phase.
He also faced Gabon a year ago, stopping a penalty from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to take Mali into a semi-final against Ivory Coast, decided by a superb solo goal from Arsenal midfielder Gervinho.
Ghana were first to reach the semi-finals, ending the fairy-tale run of Cape Verde with a 2-0 win in Port Elizabeth, and Ivory Coast face Nigeria and Burkina Faso meet Togo later Sunday.