ZIMBABWE'S chances of beating Mali in their own backyard in the return leg of the 2004 Tunisia Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers are remote, according to Malians.
While most of them agree that the Warriors have the potential to make it in the long term, they are unanimous that for now, the Malians' experience, impressive home record and tactical superiority will conquer Zimbabwe's youthful enthusiasm. Mali will host Zimbabwe in the crucial match on 22 June. Sekouba Keita, a vendor at a market here, said: "Zimbabwe is a good team but they tend to play to the gallery so we will beat them, no doubt". Fanta Ojiga, a journalist, agreed to Keita's sentiments. He said: "We will win no doubt. We have the skills and the experience to beat Zimbabwe". It would appear that Zimbabwe will have to contend with much more than the skills of their key player, Salif Keita.
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