AFCON 2023: A Mali’s Star forward Sidelined for serious injury
Three months before the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, Mali has suffered a setback with the withdrawal of their center-forward Ibrahima Koné.
During the friendly match between Mali and Uganda last Friday, the Almeria striker (from the Spanish La Liga) suffered an ankle injury in the 30th minute and was evacuated by ambulance.
The injury initially didn’t appear to be severe, but after in-depth medical examinations conducted by specialists, the results revealed a dislocation coupled with a fracture of the internal malleolus of the right tibia. This is a serious injury that necessitates surgery.
He underwent surgery last Monday, and this powerful forward (1.90m, 75 kg), who had scored three goals in the last CAN in Cameroon, will be sidelined for five months, thus missing the African football spectacle in Côte d’Ivoire.
This is a significant blow for Mali, as they were heavily relying on this prolific goal scorer who had netted 13 goals in 18 international appearances.
