By Our Correspondent
A self-styled traditional healer in Mali has been arrested after allegedly defrauding football supporters by promising a guaranteed Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory in exchange for money.
The man, identified by local authorities as Sinayogo, reportedly claimed he possessed spiritual powers capable of ensuring Mali’s national team would win the AFCON tournament. Trusting these claims, supporters and sympathisers are said to have contributed more than €33,500, equivalent to over 22 million CFA francs.
Mali’s campaign, however, ended in disappointment after the national team was eliminated in the quarter-finals following a 1–0 defeat to Senegal. The loss immediately triggered anger among those who believed in the promised outcome and had contributed financially.
After the defeat, an aggrieved crowd reportedly gathered outside the suspect’s residence, accusing him of deception and demanding their money back. Police intervened to prevent the situation from escalating and subsequently took him into custody.
Authorities in Bamako later confirmed that the suspect was arrested on allegations of fraud and charlatanism, offences punishable under Malian law. He is currently being held by the cybercrime unit as investigations continue into how the funds were collected and whether digital platforms were used.
The case has sparked renewed public debate about the role of superstition and spiritual claims in football, particularly when such beliefs are used to exploit fans financially and undermine public trust.
