Mali's Yves Bissouma tested positive for 'malaria' during AFCON 2023

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.

Published at :February 4, 2024 at 7:25 PM

Modified at :February 4, 2024 at 7:25 PM

Yves Bissouma will return to Tottenham Hotspur

Manager Eric Chelle of Mali has announced that Yves Bissouma tested positive for malaria before the AFCON competition.

The Tottenham midfielder has reportedly been competing with malaria after detecting positive shortly into the competition, according to Sky Sports.

It was disclosed by Eric Chelle, Mali’s head coach, that Bissouma and Moussa Diarra were both afflicted with malaria.

Concerning the results of the blood tests, Chelle remarked, “You know Yves and Moussa were suffering from malaria. It’s not so serious because someone born in West Africa is used to malaria, he could play, but for Moussa it was different.”

‘It was the first time he contracted malaria, so he started some light training but we’ll take things carefully, but there’s no outbreak or anything.’ The head coach assured

In Mali’s quarterfinal matchup with the tournament’s host, Ivory Coast, Bissouma entered the game off the bench as his team attempted to secure a trip to the semifinals by going into extra time.

Despite not being included in the team for Mali’s 2-0 triumph over South Africa, Moussa Diarra also made a comeback to the bench.

Since favourites Senegal and Morocco were eliminated early, underdogs have controlled the competition thus far.

Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo had already secured a place in the semi-finals, while Angola, Guinea, Cape Verde, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo were all advancing to the quarterfinals.

Depending on the outcome of Sunday night’s match, either Cape Verde or South Africa—the buzz of the tournament—will play the winner of Mali’s match against Ivory Coast.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.

Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.

Mali's Yves Bissouma tested positive for 'malaria' during AFCON 2023

Yves Bissouma will return to Tottenham Hotspur

Trending World Football Articles:

Rajarshi Shukla