June 2,2004-The Malians are not taking their encounter with Liberia lightly. The General Secretary of the Malian Football Federation (MFF), Mr. Traore, is expected to arrive in the country today at ahead of his country's crucial match with the Lone Star in the joint-qualifying rounds of the Africa Nations Cup and World Cup competitions.

     Many have described as "serious" the early arrival of the Malian Football Federation chief scribe in the country Some say that shows how much seriousness the Malian attached to the Sunday match at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sport Complex in Paynesville, outside Monrovia.

    The Eagle of Mali is presently in France on their training spree for the past three months vigorously preparing to frustrate Lone Star in their own back yard.

    As they arrive Saturday with a 30-man delegation, the President of the Mali Football Federation, Mr. Tidiane Niambili- Midian will be at the head of the delegation on board the charter flight.

    Reports say the Malian Football Authority has attached seriousness to this crucial international encounter and, as such, they have beefed up the team's strength with 14 professional players from parts of Europe.

   The Eagle of Mali has played five international friendly matches, won two and drew three, a record football analyst described as impressive.