Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma has continued playing for Mali at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite testing positive for malaria, according to Mali boss Eric Chelle. Bissouma, along with teammate Moussa Diarra, had been suffering from the disease. However, Chelle stated that the blood tests showed that Bissouma’s case was not serious and that he could still play. On the other hand, Diarra, who contracted malaria for the first time, had to be more cautious in his recovery process.
Bissouma’s positive malaria test did not deter him from taking part in Mali’s matches at AFCON. He came off the bench in their quarter-final defeat against Ivory Coast, a game that went into extra time. Prior to that, he played the full 90 minutes against Namibia, started against South Africa, and made a six-minute cameo appearance against Tunisia. Bissouma’s commitment to the team despite his health condition showcases his dedication and passion for the sport.
This is not the first setback that Bissouma has faced this season. In his last game for Tottenham on December 15, he received a red card for a mistimed challenge on Nottingham Forest’s Ryan Yates. It was his second red card of the season, resulting in a four-game ban. Despite this disciplinary issue, Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou expressed his admiration for Bissouma’s commitment on the pitch. He described the tackle as a desperate lunge rather than a malicious act and praised the player’s overall dedication to the team’s style of play.
While Bissouma’s red card suspension may have been a disappointment for both him and the team, it is clear that his passion and commitment remain unwavering. This dedication was evident in his decision to continue playing at AFCON despite testing positive for malaria. Bissouma’s resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to his teammates and fans alike.
In conclusion, Yves Bissouma’s positive malaria test did not hinder him from representing Mali at AFCON. Despite suffering from the disease, he continued to play in several matches, demonstrating his commitment to the team. Additionally, his previous red card suspension for Tottenham did not diminish his passion for the game. Bissouma’s ability to overcome challenges and maintain his dedication serves as a testament to his character as a professional footballer.