Crowds of spectators arrive for the quarter-finals in Bamako

"The biggest problems we anticipated were accommodation and transport, but thank God they have all been solved.

"I think that everyone, including Caf, was well satisfied" he said.

Despite certain stories from the Nigerian and Senegalese camps, Urbain insists that everyone was treated well.

"We have done a lot to help all the supporters who came to Mali" he said.

"I was astonished when I heard some parts of the press saying people were mistreated in Mali. This is a big lie".

Criticism was levelled at some of the venues outside the capital, but Urbain insists it was the right decision to spread the tournament out around Mali.

"I think that a tournament like this one is interesting only if the whole country can benefit.

"It is not only about sport, but about knowledge of the country, the culture and the people.

"I never thought it should all be held in Bamako, because there wouldn't have been enough room".

Five new stadiums were constructed in Mali, and Urbain was positive this will prove to be a long-term benefit.

"If we want sport to develop, this investment is necessary.

Stade de 26 Mars, Bamako

"All of these five cities will now have facilities to train sportsmen in the future. The stadiums will not go unused.

"Why not use them for concerts like in Europe? They won't be used only for football, which is why we think the stadiums should be taken over by the private sector and run as a business.

"In the future tourism will benefit as well. As the country is growing all those new hotels will be very useful" he said.

And he described how CAN 2002 has helped communications in the country.

"I don't know how the television coverage was seen outside Mali, but here it was very satisfactory" he said.

Sikasso stadium, Mali

"Before the Cup of Nations, TV only got to four or five cities, but now it is seen all over the country.

"Also, mobile phones are more common, and this tournament has done a lot to put Mali in contact with other parts of the world".

You can hear all of Alan Green's interview with Urbain Sangare in World Football on Saturday 9 February on BBC World Service. Check local listings for exact times. Or you can use the audio link at the top of the page.