MALI
music:Salif Keita-Madan

Two successive apperances in the African Nations Cup semifinals have made Mali a serious contender in the African game.

One of the first African countries to join FIFA, the W. African nation only began qualifying for the World Cup in 2000. However they have a remarkable record in the African Cup of Nations: In the four times they have qualified for the competition they have reached the semifinals every time.

The great Salif Keïta (no, not the singer) is the largest figure in Malian football history. He was one of the first Africans to enjoy a solid European career with French clubs St.Etienne with whom he won 3 titles and Olympique Marseille. He also played in the NASL. Keïta, Sadia Cissé & Ousmane Traoré helped lead Mali to a runners up finish in the 1972 ACN and establish Mali on the football map.

The great Salif Keïta has establised a
center in Mali to help develop
young soccer talent
(Afrik.com, CAN2002.com)

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