Djoliba AC Defender Maiga Tests Positive For The Coronavirus

Djoliba AC defender Youssouf Maiga has tested positive for the coronavirus according to a statement on the club’s official Facebook page.

The 27-year-old player becomes the first Malian elite division player to test positive for the virus.

The Hippos released a statement on Sunday which detailed the measures taken to protect those who had been in close contact with Maiga, who is one of their key players.

Djoliba’s secretary-general Modibo Coulibaly says that they have begun testing other players starting with Seydou Diallo and Cheick Tidiane Niang, who have both tested negative.

“We have made arrangements since this news. We closed the stadium and disinfected the premises. All the sanitary provisions have been fumigated,” says Coulibaly.

Maiga becomes the third Africa player to test positive of the deadly virus after Morocco’s Omar Zekri who turns for US Ben Gerdane and Orlando Pirates’ Ben Motshwari.

The Malian Football Association (FEMAFOOT) has been working together with the government to ensure that football resumes in the country and the 2019/20 season is completed.

The Malian elite division was suspended in mid-March with eight matches having been played, although a larger percentage of the clubs in the 23-team competition had several outstanding fixtures.

The 22-time champions Djoliba currently top the log having accrued 46 points from 18 appearances – four points above second-placed Stade Malien.