Malians are so football-crazy that they’ve already chosen a mascot for the 2002 Africa Nations Cup

The favourite sport in Mali is unquestionably football. In 2002, Mali will host the Africa Nations Cup.

The country’s most famous footballer is Salif Keita, who played for St Etienne in France in the 1970s; he’s not the same person as the musician! He has since established a school for young footballers to nurture new talent. His nephew, Seydou Salif Keita, went to the school, and now plays for Marseilles Olympique.

The most popular national teams are Djoliba, Stad, and Real. But many people also support Manchester United and St Etienne. Football in Mali is not associated with hooliganism and violence; it’s just great fun.

Ismail Guito is football mad. Follow the link to find out why.

Basketball is also very popular in schools, and there are a number of national competitions.

The Junior Malian basketball team: training hard for the 1999 African Championships

Malian children play many of the same games as children in Europe, such as hide-and-seek  and ball games.

Photo for Oxfam GB by Rhodri Jones

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