Egypt calls for greater private sector role, debt swaps at G20 meeting    Al-Sisi, Macron discuss Gaza ceasefire efforts, France's planned recognition of Palestinian state    Over 60 million visits recorded under Egypt's Women's Health Initiative since 2019    State steps up efforts to streamline trade, digitise processes: Investment minister    Public enterprises minister reviews steps to restart carbon anode factory in Ain Sokhna after two-year hiatus    Culture minister launches national plan to revive film industry, modernise cinematic assets    Thailand, Cambodia clash on new front as tens of thousands flee    Macron's plan to recognize Palestinian state, divides Western allies    Remittances from Egyptians abroad surge 70% YoY in July–May: CBE    Sudan's ambassador to Egypt holds reconstruction talks on with Arab League    Egypt hosts international neurosurgery conference to drive medical innovation    Egypt's EDA discusses Johnson & Johnson's plans to expand investment in local pharmaceutical sector    I won't trade my identity to please market: Douzi    Sisi calls for boosting oil & gas investment to ease import burden    Egypt welcomes 25-nation statement urging end to Gaza war    EGX to close Thursday for July 23 Revolution holiday    Egypt, Senegal sign pharma MoU to unify regulatory standards    Two militants killed in foiled plot to revive 'Hasm' operations: Interior ministry    Egypt foils terrorist plot, kills two militants linked to Hasm group    Egypt, Somalia discuss closer environmental cooperation    Giza Pyramids' interior lighting updated with new LED system    Egypt's EHA, Huawei discuss enhanced digital health    Foreign, housing ministers discuss Egypt's role in African development push    Egypt, Uruguay eager to expand trade across key sectors    Egypt reveals heritage e-training portal    Three ancient rock-cut tombs discovered in Aswan    Sisi launches new support initiative for families of war, terrorism victims    Egypt expands e-ticketing to 110 heritage sites, adds self-service kiosks at Saqqara    Egypt's Irrigation Minister urges scientific cooperation to tackle water scarcity    Palm Hills Squash Open debuts with 48 international stars, $250,000 prize pool    Egypt's Democratic Generation Party Evaluates 84 Candidates Ahead of Parliamentary Vote    On Sport to broadcast Pan Arab Golf Championship for Juniors and Ladies in Egypt    Golf Festival in Cairo to mark Arab Golf Federation's 50th anniversary    Germany among EU's priciest labour markets – official data    Paris Olympic gold '24 medals hit record value    A minute of silence for Egyptian sports    Russia says it's in sync with US, China, Pakistan on Taliban    It's a bit frustrating to draw at home: Real Madrid keeper after Villarreal game    Shoukry reviews with Guterres Egypt's efforts to achieve SDGs, promote human rights    Sudan says countries must cooperate on vaccines    Johnson & Johnson: Second shot boosts antibodies and protection against COVID-19    Egypt to tax bloggers, YouTubers    Egypt's FM asserts importance of stability in Libya, holding elections as scheduled    We mustn't lose touch: Muller after Bayern win in Bundesliga    Egypt records 36 new deaths from Covid-19, highest since mid June    Egypt sells $3 bln US-dollar dominated eurobonds    Gamal Hanafy's ceramic exhibition at Gezira Arts Centre is a must go    Italian Institute Director Davide Scalmani presents activities of the Cairo Institute for ITALIANA.IT platform    







Thank you for reporting!
This image will be automatically disabled when it gets reported by several people.



Fulham's Diarra ecstatic to be back with Mali
After being out of the game for a year, Mali's 31-year-old Diarra is back in time for the Nations Cup Botswana clash, but whether he wears the captain's armband 'is not the most important thing'
Ahmed Abd El Rasoul Published in Ahram Online on 08 - 09 - 2012

Mali skipper Mahamadou Diarra expresses great joy to return to his national team after a year of absence.
The Fulham midfielder is due to lead The Eagles in their African Nations Cup qualifier against Botswana in Bamako on Saturday.
"I am definitely happy to be back, playing on a big stage. To be on the national team is a dream come true," Diarra told Sky Sports late on Friday.
"Bostwana are a good team and we will try to get an advantage in the first game," he added.
Diarra has not played for Mali since June. He was not selected initially because he did not have a club and was not playing regular football.
The 31-year-old player missed January's Nations Cup finals in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon where Mali finished a surprise third.
The recent return of the former Real Madrid hard man to regular action at Craven Cottage has earned him a recall from new Mali coach Patrick Carteron, who takes charge for the first time in the final round, first leg qualifier for the 2013 finals in South Africa.
Whether he will wear the captain's armband in Saturday's match is not an issue for Diarra, who capped 64 times for Mali.
"To be honest, I am just happy to be back playing," the veteran midfilder admitted.
"[It's not about] coming and taking the captain's armband. I am here to play for my people; people who have loved me and supported me throughout my career.
"The armband is not the most important thing. I have to defend and play for my country and try to qualify with them," he concluded.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at@AO Sportsand on Facebook atAhramOnlineSports)

Clic here to read the story from its source.