Conman Conks Fans: Mali's Fortune-Teller Arrested Over AFCON Gambit in Morocco

What happened

Mali-based conman posing as a fortune-teller was arrested on fraud charges after convincing fans he could influence match results and guarantee Mali's win over Senegal, boosting hopes for a semifinal berth at AFCON in Morocco.

The suspected manipulator reportedly used social media to claim he possessed spiritual powers that could sway outcomes in exchange for donations destined for ritual work to support the team.

Local media say he gathered roughly 33,000 euros from several supporters before Mali's exit in the quarterfinals, a 1-0 defeat to Senegal that halted his scheme and left donors furious.

Angry donors went to the sorcerer's home and assaulted him before police intervened, highlighting how quickly dreams turned into a headache.

The next day the man was formally arrested and placed under investigation, facing charges of fraud, exploiting gullibility, and disseminating misleading claims, with authorities at work on cybercrime links.

Meanwhile, Senegal met Egypt in the first semifinal, followed by Morocco versus Nigeria later that day, with the final scheduled for the winners on Sunday.

Punchlines: if charisma counted as goals, that wizard would be playing in the final. And if crooks could coach, this one would have already won the league—he clearly misread the scouting report: trust the players, not the palm readers.