Yves Bissouma is looking forward to a "special tournament" as Mali prepare to get their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign up and running.

Mali are in Group E at AFCON where they will face South Africa, Namibia and Tunisia.

Bissouma, who plays his club football for English Premier League side Tottenham, was born in the Ivory Coast, where the biennial competition is being held.

Ahead of his side's opener with Bafana on Tuesday, the player explained the importance of this tournament.

He said on CAFOnine: "This will of course be a special tournament for me because I was born here.

"It is something that I truly treasure and for me to play a tournament such as the Africa Cup of Nations in a country that I was born in is truly special.

"I hope to do well with my teammates and make our supporters and nation proud."

Bissouma added: "We are playing in a very interesting group which requires us to be on alert. We do not take anything for granted and we will do our best in this competition."

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