Mali’s Sako hits out at ‘horrendous’ pitch
Bakary Sako described the Stade Port Gentil playing surface as 'horrendous' after Mali played out a goalless draw with Egypt in their Africa Cup of Nations Group D opener on Tuesday.
Mohamed Abouzeid of Egypt gets away from Bakary Sako of Mali during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Mali and Egypt at the Port Gentil Stadium in Gabon on 17 January 2017 ©Chris Ricco/BackpagePix
The surface failed to hold together well for its opening two Afcon matches and it remains to be seen if it can be fixed in time for Saturday’s second round of games – Mali take on Ghana and Egypt play
“The pitch is horrendous really, it is really tough to get the ball under control and to drive (forward) with the ball,” said Sako.
“You just have to be focused, it is the same for both teams so you have to get on with it.”
Sako admitted that Mali were disappointed not to beat the Pharaohs after being the better side on the evening.
“A little bit, because we had better chances than they had. They had one really good chance, our keeper saved it really well, but yeah, we are a bit frustrated,” he said.
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