Africa Magic: Djibril Sidibe (Mali) v Hapoel Be'er Sheva

Here is a spectacular strike by Djibril Sidibe (Mali) who plays for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Israeli League. It took a slight defelction its way, but it takes nothing away from the golazo that it is.



Sidibe has played in France for several years after moving from the Centre Salif Keita in Mali in 1999. He's a strong player but has been unable to make a big impact in the Ligue 1. Sidibe had played in the AS Monaco B setup before having a brief stint in the senior team in 2001. He has also played on loan for Châteauroux and SC Bastia, after Michael Essien had left.

Caf, Diakite, Keshi and Mali: the conspiracy

The talk in the Ghanaian media is of a fantastic conspiracy of a racy nature going on in the Confederation of African football (Caf).

The players in the apparent scheme are coach Stephen Keshi of Mali and Amadou Diakite, the Chairman of Caf's Referees Committee.

They are said to be in cahoots to 'fix' the crucial game between Ghana and Mali in Bamako.

Stephen Keshi is said to have asked Diakite 'to do something' about the unfair officiating Mali faces in continental games. He is also reported to have hinted that other African nations who 'have big people in Caf' get referees that are favourable to them, so why should Mali be left out?

Although I have searched all over the web for links to this story, I have to admit that I have not found a single one - conspiracy or otherwise - anywhere to get quotes from.

Obviously this is a very sensitive topic and it is drawing different reactions from the general public in Ghana. While some believe it is very possible, others have just brushed it off as tittle-tattle.

For those who believe it, they point to the widely held belief that Keshi launched a similar campaign to help Togo get to the World Cup. They hold that General Seyi Memene, the first Vice President of Caf was publicly nudged to help the Hawks of Togo qualify for Germany.

I should state, though, that these claims have not been substantiated nor proven anywhere.

Keshi, who is known for his mind games, may yet be playing on the nerves of the Black Stars ahead of this Sunday's match. How much these would affect them remains to be seen.

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What Milo REALLY thinks of Mali

June 7, 2009.

The day the Black Stars of Ghana play Mali in that long awaited qualifier for the World Cup and Nations' Cup in 2010.

But till now we have not known what the Ghanaian coach thinks of the opposition.

Thankfully, fifa.com spoke to him and I got these quotes from Milo.

"They (Mali) have excellent and exciting individuals playing in the best teams in Europe

"You cannot underestimate them. They want to win, but we also want good results from this match.

"We have the psychological edge and we have to use it."

And although Ghana may be smug about news that Real Madrid midfielder Mahamadou Diarra will be unavailable, the team has injury issues of its own, prompting the call up of Zamalek striker Junior Agogo.

But Rajevac feels Agogo's impressive strike rate of 11 goals in 25 games for his country is one that could fire Ghana to South Africa next June.

"I'm a bit concerned about his match fitness, but I know he has been training very hard.

Junior is a good player, he works hard and I trust him. At this time of the year, players are going to the off-season and it's not uncommon for most of them to carry injuries.

As a coach, I expect that, I can't do anything about it."

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Three Africans in the Bordeaux Ligue 1 win!

What a trophy-full week for Africa!

On Wednesday, three Barca players who won the prestigious UCL were from this continent: Seydou Keita, Yaya Toure and Samuel Eto'o.

And then on Saturday, Didier Drogba was excellent in the Chelsea win of the FA Cup.

Now in France, Lyon have lost their stranglehold on the Ligue 1. Actually, they lost it sometime ago and a new champ was always looking like coming. Bordeaux beat Caen 1-0 to take home the title and send their opponents tumbling down to Ligue 2.

Their first title in 10 years and the first team not named Olympique Lyonnais to win since 2001. A big day for French football to say the least.

And three Africans were part. Super!



Their names? Souleymane Diawara (Senegal), Marouane Chamakh (Morocco) and Abdou Traoré (Mali)

Go Africa.
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