It figures that it would be the Chinese food that would do me in.

I went to bed early after feeling a bit under the weather and woke up feeling the same way, so I decided to stay at the hotel and rest while Drew and Scott went to the market. Sekou picked up all the gear we would need for the Dissan trip, and when they got back, we head out for the Stade Modibo Keita. Joining us were Yacouba’s two sons, 4 of their friends, and 3 players from each team that played in the tournament, and their coaches. Many of the players wore their new jerseys, and all of the coaches sported their Little Eagles jerseys. It cost us less than $50 to treat about 30 people to the game, many of whom had never been to a professional game before.

The match was between Jeanne D’Arc and Stade Malien, the current title holders of the Malien Premier Division. The kids from Yacouba’s neighborhood were giddily excited, all wearing big smiles on their faces. We met Sekou at the gate, who arrived with all of the players and coaches. The stadium itself was had a really cool design, and was overlooked by high cliffs, which some spectators watched from.

The game itself was highly entertaining, and it was great to be able to bring the kids to see the best team in the country. Midway through the first half, Stade scored from a deflected shot, sending the crowd into a frenzy. 

The kids all went nuts! Only minutes from full time, Stade added another, and the kids danced around and cheered.

It was a great day out and a really special event for the kids we took to the game!

-Seydou