Mali coach Sekou Chelle has revealed the physical toll he experienced during his team’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash against Ivory Coast.
The distressing moment occurred after Mali conceded a late goal, ultimately leading to their defeat.
Mali seemed poised to secure a spot in the semi-finals, capitalising on Ivory Coast’s numerical disadvantage after Odilon Kossounou was sent off in the 43rd minute. They took the lead with Nene Dorgeles’ strike in the 71st minute, maintaining control of the game with a man advantage.
However, Ivory Coast staged a remarkable comeback, equalising in the 90th minute through Simon Adingra’s opportunistic finish. The Elephants secured their victory with another goal in the dying moments of extra time, courtesy of Diakite’s header.
A viral video showed water being poured on Chelle’s head at the final whistle, prompting concerns about his well-being. Chelle explained that he felt dizzy and experienced rising blood pressure after Ivory Coast’s second goal.
Apt assumption by the commentator: “There might be tears mixing that water” being poured on Mali’s 🇲🇱 coach. pic.twitter.com/LAOvGjqG6v
— Jerome Otchere (@JeromeOtchere) February 3, 2024
“After the Elephants’ second goal, I started to feel dizzy, my blood pressure was rising,” he stated. “I thank my compatriot who poured enough water on my head to stabilize my blood pressure.”
Chelle’s disclosure offers insight into the challenges he faced under immense pressure thereby sidelining the trivial perspective of it.