Mali coach Oumar Guindo has labelled tonight’s 2016 Women Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON) against Kenya’s Harambee Starlets in Limbe, Cameroon as a must win game for his side as they seek to revive hopes of qualifying for the semifinals.
After suffering a 6-0 humiliation at the hands of champions the Super Falcons of Nigeria on Sunday, Guindo has made it clear to his players that they must be at their best against Starlets.
It was not a result the Malians were expecting on their return to continental football.
“We were unlucky to start the tournament against a strong team like Nigeria. We have no option, but to bounce back against Kenya. We never had good preparations for the tournament, playing only one friendly match against Cameroon after we earned a late qualification ticket,” said Guindo.
“Our objective still remains to go past group stages and that is why we want to treat our next game as a final. We know it will not be easy, but we are ready to give our best.”
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Meanwhile, Ghana coach believes his side deserved that 3-1 victory over Kenya in Sunday’s match that was marred with poor officiating.
Cameroonian referee Jeanne Ekoumou was at the centre of the controversy after her dubious calls in the critical moments of the game influenced the outcome.
Although Basigi questioned Ekoumou’s performance, he said the referee’s decision was at her own discretion.
“That was our first ever game against Kenya and I must admit it was not easy. I never underrated them. We started off very well and within first five minutes, our goal was disallowed and they turned the heat on us and scored. The penalty was a reflex, so the referee can basically interpret it in her discretion; she was closer to the scene than I was,” said Basigi.
Commenting on today’s potentially explosive 6pm fixture against nine-time champions Nigeria, Basigi said:
“Nigeria and Ghana is always a different game all together. If Nigeria massacred Mali 6-0, that doesn’t mean they are going to massacre us 6-0 or more. So, let the day come.”
