AFCON Promise Backfires as Bamako Marabout Gets Arrested for Fraud
Mali’s AFCON dream ended on the pitch, but the drama did not stop there.
Authorities in Bamako have arrested a man who claimed he could use spiritual powers to help Mali win the Africa Cup of Nations.
The self-proclaimed marabout, identified as Mr. Sinayogo (also reported as Karamogo Sinayogo), is accused of fraud after allegedly collecting money from supporters online.
Reports say he used social media to convince fans to donate cash for rituals he claimed would guarantee Mali lifted the AFCON trophy.
In total, he allegedly raised more than €33,500, which is over 22 million CFA francs.
Everything fell apart when Mali were knocked out of the tournament after a 1-0 quarter-final loss to Senegal.
Many fans who donated felt cheated and demanded answers.
Soon after the defeat, angry supporters reportedly gathered outside Sinayogo’s home in Bamako, forcing police to step in before things got worse.
He was later taken into custody and charged.
According to reports, the case is now being handled by Mali’s cybercrime unit, which says charlatanism is punishable under national law.
The situation has also reopened debate about spiritual beliefs in football, where many fans still believe rituals can influence results.
For Sinayogo, the AFCON story is over, but a bigger fight now waits in court.