Malians classification

Why are Malians classified as an infantry civ? It makes no sense even though their unique unit is classified as infantry and they have an infantry bonus. Other civs which are classified as something else have better infantry than them (Burmese come to mind). They should IMO be classified as a cavalry civ since their FU light cav are better in mass battles than even Mongol hussar. Their cavalier must be the best cavalier in the game without a doubt and their camels are excellent. What is it that is so good about their infantry? The extra pierce armor doesn't matter that much since they are still prone to being kited and they don't even have halbs or blast furnace. I get why they don't have blast furnace since that would make their cavalry broken as hell but there is nothing that stands out about their infantry.