Mali captain, Seydou Keita, inspired his team just before the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal against South Africa, when he promised to pay his teammates’ bonuses from his own pocket, should the Mali FA fail to do so.
The former Barcelona man has been inspirational both on and off the field, and tonight will again need to take charge when they face Nigeria at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. He said that they are aware of Nigeria’s quality, however they have nothing to fear.
Keita said that after defeating South Africa, as the host nation, their eyes are set on the trophy.
“They (Nigeria) beat Ivory Coast, that's true. We also beat the hosts and for us there is nothing to fear. We know their strengths and weaknesses and we have to play to that. We won't be focussing on individual players as they play as a team and so do we.
“We have to stop their attacks and control the midfield for us to win this game. We fear nothing at all. This is football and at this stage you just have to go all out and win," Keita concluded.
