Mali coach Tom Saintfiet plays down Yves Bissouma start ahead of Morocco clash

Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has refused to confirm whether captain Yves Bissouma will feature in Friday’s Group A clash against hosts Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder missed Mali’s opening match against Zambia due to injury, but his presence alongside Saintfiet at the pre-match press conference in Rabat has fuelled speculation over a possible return. The Belgian coach, however, was careful to manage expectations.

"The reason Yves is here today is not because he will necessarily play tomorrow," Saintfiet explained. "There is no link between who sits next to me and who starts the match. Maybe he plays, maybe he doesn’t.”

Bissouma, for his part, appeared relaxed and focused, making it clear that individual concerns are secondary when representing his country. "What matters to me today is Mali," he said. "I am here and fully focused on tomorrow’s match. The rest doesn’t concern me."

The response reflected the calm authority of a captain whose influence extends beyond the pitch. Even without game time, Bissouma remains a key figure within the Malian camp, particularly for a young squad preparing to face one of the tournament favourites.

"As captain, I try to bring a positive spirit to the group,” he added. “Everyone can motivate the team in their own way."