Sadio Mane Does Not Wash Own Underwear, Malawi Coach Slams Favouritism at AFCON

• Malawi head coach has slammed AFCON organisers over mistreatment of the perceived smaller teams
• Mario Marinica claimed there was clear favouritism towards the tournament's bigger teams as the minnows were being subjected to poor conditions
• The Romanian alleged his squad players were being forced to do their own laundry, which is not the case with high-profile players like Sadio Mane

Malawi head coach Mario Marinica has hit out at 2021 Africa Cup of Nations organisers over poor conditions his team has had to contend with in Cameroon.

Marinica alleged there was clear bias on the treatment of teams participating in the continental showpiece, claiming 'small' teams are being subjected to wanting conditions.

The Romanian tactician made the claim as his team prepared to take on Morocco in their last 16 clash on Tuesday, January 25.

ESPN reports Malawi's preparations for the tie were hampered with a raft of challenges including food poisoning, a lack of basic commodities, and, according to Marinica, a dearth of facilities for clothes washing.

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Marinica claimed that clear favouritism towards the tournament's perceived bigger teams is leaving the underdogs at a disadvantage.

The 57-year-old went on to allege high-profile players such as Senegal's Sadio Mane don't have to "wash their own" underwear.

"You wouldn't see Sadio Mane washing his own underpants and hanging them on a bush to dry. There are different standards here, teams are being treated differently," Marinica divulged to ESPN.

"We talk about inclusion, we want to have minnows, small teams doing fantastic things, but when it comes to the latter stages, people don't fancy us playing against Cape Verde and not Senegal playing Morocco [for example].

"Certain questions have to be asked; why are these things happening to us, why only to the smaller teams, why only to Comoros, Gambia, us?" He posed.

Meanwhile, Marinica's Malawi have since been dumped out of the tournament after they lost 2-1 to Morocco.

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The Atlas Lions staged a dramatic comeback to stun The Flames, with Achraf Hakimi striking the winner in the 70th minute.

Venue for AFCON quarter-final moved

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Morocco's Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final fixture against the winner between Ivory Coast and Egypt has been moved to a different venue.

The match was initially set to be played at the Olembe Stadium on Sunday, January 31.

However, CAF has now moved the Sunday, January 30, clash across town at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium.