A self-proclaimed marabout has been arrested in Bamako for allegedly defrauding football fans by promising that the Mali national team would win at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Identified only as Mr Sinayogo, he reportedly collected over 22 million CFA francs (around €33,500) from supporters before Mali’s 1-0 quarter-final loss to Senegal. He is currently being held by the cybercrime division on fraud charges. Two videographers who visited him confirmed the arrest, noting that authorities had refrained from acting while the tournament was still ongoing.

According to a social media content creator close to Sinayogo, the man, previously a political activist, “proclaimed himself a marabout overnight and made a fortune.”

Mali’s campaign ended on January 9 in Tangiers when Senegal’s recalled striker Iliman Ndiaye scored the only goal of the match in the first half. The contest became even more difficult for Mali when captain Yves Bissouma was sent off in first-half added time after receiving a second yellow card. Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra made several impressive saves, but an earlier mistake allowed Senegal to take the lead.

Senegal, who won the tournament in 2022, will now face either defending champions Ivory Coast or seven-time winners Egypt in the semi-finals. Ndiaye, named player of the match, said, “I am happy to have won the award, but the most important thing is we have progressed to the semi-finals. We played well and are constantly improving.”

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw added, “It was not an easy match against a talented Mali team. Had we been more clinical in front of goal we could have scored more goals.” Mali coach Tom Saintfiet said, “It was a difficult match for us because we had to play with 10 men. I am proud of the players for what they did, not only tonight but throughout the AFCON.”

During the match, Bissouma had earlier been booked for fouling Senegal forward Sadio Mane, while Mali striker Lassine Sinayoko was denied by a crucial sliding tackle from Senegal’s Krepin Diatta.