Looking Forward: Mali’s Gassama Breaks His Silence After Tough AFCON 2025 Elimination

Despite the red card to Yves Bissouma and the eventual elimination, Nathan Gassama’s apology focused heavily on the strength of the Malian dressing room.

He described the group as a “family” that fought until the final whistle against Senegal’s relentless pressure.

Gassama’s pride in representing Mali “today and forever” resonated with fans who appreciated the team’s “iron will” under coach Tom Saintfiet.
His closing remark—”See you all very soon”—serves as a rallying cry for the supporters to stay behind the team as they transition from the AFCON to their next international objectives.

​Mali’s AFCON 2025 Journey:
​Group Stage: Morocco 1–1 Mali | Mali 0–0 Comoros | Mali 0–0 Zambia

​Round of 16: Mali 1–1 Tunisia (Mali won 3–2 on pens)

​Quarterfinals: Senegal 1–0 Mali (Jan 9, 2026)