He promised Mali the AFCON title — now he’s in custody

Malian police have arrested self proclaimed “marabout” who promised Mali would win AFCON 2025 in exchange for donations after the Eagles were knocked out by Senegal in the quarter-finals.

The man identified only as Mr Sinayogo built following on social media by claiming he could foresee and influence, Mali’s path to continental glory.

In return for financial contributions, he assured supporters that the Eagles would lift the Africa Cup of Nations.

According to local sources quoted by Agence France Presse, Sinayogo had collected more than 22 million CFA francs (around $39000) from fans convinced by his claims.

Following the defeat, an angry crowd gathered outside his home in Bamako forcing police to intervene and escort him away for his own safety.

A senior official told AFP that “charlatanism is punishable by law in Mali” adding that arresting him earlier would have been difficult while the national team remained in the tournament, given the emotional intensity surrounding AFCON.

Those promises collapsed on Friday night when Mali lost 1-0 to Senegal in the quarter-finals. And he was arrested on Saturday and placed in custody with Mali’s cybercrime unit facing charges of fraud.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations