Kanoute pleased with Mali

Sevilla forward says team has potential

By Giscard Gourizro   Last updated: 24th November 2009  

Kanoute pleased with Mali

Kanoute: Happy with Mali

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Mali striker Freddie Kanoute is delighted that his team managed to qualify for the African Cup of Nations.

Ghana pipped Mali to top spot in their World Cup qualifying group and secured a place in South Africa next year.

But Mali finished second and are ensured of a spot in the African tournament next year.

"We are happy, we wanted to go to the World Cup but Ghana were better than us," Kanoute told skysports.com.

"We have top players in our country but it is not easy to gel as a team to produce in a big game. We need to work hard on that and see what we can achieve.

"In the African Nations Cup, we need to do better than the last time (when they did not get past the first round), hopefully with all our players getting to the championship fit and raring to go.

"The Mali nation deserves better so let's make them happy."

The former Tottenham and West Ham striker also spoke of his happiness at Sevilla, despite being left on the bench against Real Madrid.

"I love Sevilla and we are doing very well at the moment," he added. "I am very happy here, and want to finish my career here."