Traditional healer arrested after allegedly defrauding Mali fans with AFCON title promise
A self-proclaimed traditional healer in Mali has been arrested for alleged fraud after reportedly collecting thousands of euros from supporters by promising the country would win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The man, identified only as Mr Sinayogo, was arrested in the Malian capital, Bamako, following Mali’s 1–0 defeat to Senegal in the quarter-finals of the tournament last Friday.
According to an associate, Sinayogo allegedly collected more than 22 million CFA francs (about €33,500) in donations from individuals who believed his spiritual intervention would secure victory for the national team.
After Mali’s elimination, an angry mob reportedly gathered at Sinayogo’s residence, accusing him of deception.
Police intervened to prevent violence and escorted him away from the scene.
Two videographers who later visited him confirmed that Sinayogo was being detained at the cybercrime division of the police.
An official from the unit told AFP that charlatanism is a punishable offence under Malian law, adding that authorities found it difficult to act earlier due to heightened emotions surrounding the AFCON tournament.
“He proclaimed himself a marabout overnight and made a fortune,” a social media content creator familiar with Sinayogo said, noting that he was previously known as a political activist.
Mali’s AFCON campaign ended after a narrow loss to Senegal in Tangiers.
Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye scored the decisive goal in the first half, while Mali’s chances were further weakened when captain Yves Bissouma was sent off just before halftime after receiving a second yellow card.
Despite a costly error that led to the goal, Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra later made several impressive saves to keep the scoreline close.
Senegal, champions in 2022, advanced to the semi-finals where they are set to face either Ivory Coast or Egypt.
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw praised his team’s performance, while Mali coach Tom Saintfiet expressed pride in his players despite the defeat, particularly given that they played much of the match with 10 men.
The arrest of the alleged healer has sparked widespread debate in Mali over superstition, exploitation of public faith, and the emotional pressure surrounding national football success.
