Mali’s Sako hits out at ‘horrendous’ pitch

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.