Malian Defender Sacko Out of South Africa Friendly

Malian defender Falaye Sacko will not take part in the international friendly against South Africa.

The Vitoria Guimaraes right back was injured in the 65th minute and forced off in the Friday’s 1-0 loss to Eintracht in a Europe League Group F encounter.

Sacko underwent tests on Sunday to determine the extent of injury he suffered even though he remained in camp with the club.

Doctors have now ruled him out of action for six weeks which means he will not be fit for the international friendly.

It is not known whether coach Mohamed Magassouba will hand another player the chance to impress in the match to be played on October 13.

Mali and South Africa friendly will be played at Nelson Mandela Bay, a stadium named after the first democratically elected president of the republic, who died in 2013.

The 45,000-seater was built for the 2010 World Cup and is now the home ground of top-flight club Chippa United and Pro14 rugby union club Southern Kings.

Both countries are preparing for the start of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group phase during November.

South Africa play Ghana away and Sudan at home in Group C while Mali host Guinea and visit Liberia or Chad in Group A.