Traditional Healer Arrested For Alleged Fraud After Promising Mali AFCON Trophy Win

A self-proclaimed traditional healer has been arrested in Mali for allegedly defrauding soccer enthusiasts after collecting over €33,500 (about 22 million CFA francs) in donations by promising that the Malian national team would win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The man, identified only as Mr. Sinayogo, was arrested in Bamako on Saturday, a day after Mali’s elimination from the tournament following a 1–0 quarter-final loss to Senegal in Tangiers, Morocco.

According to local reports, Sinayogo, a former political activist who “proclaimed himself a marabout overnight and made a fortune,” allegedly assured donors that his spiritual intervention would guarantee victory for Mali.

However, when Mali crashed out of the continental competition, angry supporters stormed his residence before police intervened and took him into custody.

He is currently being held at the cybercrime division in Bamako on allegations of fraud.

“Charlatanism is punishable by law in Mali,” said an official from the cybercrime unit, confirming the arrest to AFP. “But arresting the man while the national team was still competing would have been difficult in the heat of the Africa Cup of Nations.”

Two videographers who visited him at the police station also confirmed that Sinayogo was in custody.

Mali’s defeat came after a hard-fought match in which Yves Bissouma, the team’s captain, was sent off just before halftime after receiving a second yellow card.

Senegal’s Iliman Ndiaye scored the decisive goal, capitalising on a mistake by goalkeeper Djigui Diarra.

“It was not an easy match against a talented Mali team,” said Senegal coach Pape Thiaw. “Had we been more clinical in front of goal, we could have scored more.”

“It was a difficult match for us because we had to play half of it with 10 men,” Mali coach Tom Saintfiet said. “I am proud of the players for what they did, not only tonight but throughout the AFCON.”

Following the victory, Senegal, the 2022 champions, advanced to the semi-finals where they will face Egypt.

“I’m happy to have won the Player of the Match award, but the most important thing is that we progressed to the semi-finals,” said Ndiaye. “We played well and are constantly improving.”