Ismael Kone has spoken publicly for the first time since suffering a horrific broken leg during Canada's 6-0 World Cup victory over Qatar. The 24-year-old midfielder took to Instagram on Friday to express his gratitude for the support he has received and to affirm his faith.
Kone's Statement
Kone wrote: "ALLAH has never failed me. Throughout my life, not even once. So why doubt him now? Especially knowing that. He knows and sees everything before it even happened. He has a plan and a vision for all of us."
He added: "This battle is a test to my faith in him and to my character. And honestly I'm ready for it because, ALLAH will never give you a challenge that you can't overcome and being tested is the best of gift from god."
The midfielder also thanked his teammates, saying: "To Canadian brothers, as I turned myself into assistant coach to support you from the sideline. I wanted you to know that I love you guys from the bottom of my heart and our brotherhood is everything to me. What you guys did yesterday will stay with me forever. I'll be back very soon and we'll keep making more memories together."
The Injury
Kone suffered a broken leg in the 52nd minute of the Group B match in Vancouver following a challenge from Qatar's Assim Madibo. The tackle was reviewed by VAR, leading to Madibo's red card, reducing Qatar to nine men after Homam Ahmed was sent off in the first half.
Both sets of players formed a protective barrier around Kone as medical staff attended to him. He was able to sit up as he was carried off on a stretcher but is now facing a lengthy recovery period.
Coach's Reaction
Canada coach Jesse Marsch revealed after the match that he and his players could hear the bone snap. He said: "I haven't spoken to Ismael yet, he's at the hospital, he will prepare for a surgery. I'm going to see him after this press conference."
Marsch added: "It happened right in front of the bench – everyone could hear the bone snap. Your heart goes out to him, and everybody's a little shaken by the experience, because of the nature of the injury and also because Ismael is a big part of the team."
The coach praised Kone's character, noting that he waved to the crowd to put others at ease despite his own pain. "That's an incredible statement about Ismael as a person, but this is also our team," Marsch said.
