Back to the United States Newsfeed

Afcon: Magassouba reveals why Samassa declined Mali squad selection

Mohamed Magassouba has revealed that he omitted Mamadou Samassa from Mali's squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) because the goalkeeper wanted guaranteed game time at the continental showpiece.

The Eagles’ boss recently released a 27-man provisional list and the Troyes shot-stopper was a notable absentee, even though he was guaranteed a place in the final 23.

As reported by Football 365 , Magassouba finally shed some light on the 29-year-old’s absence from the West Africans’ squad.

“Samassa called me to tell me that he wanted guarantees during the Afcon, and I told him that no player is guaranteed a position before we start the competition,” the Mali trainer said.