Mali were eliminated in the last 16 of the last African Cup of Nations, but they can still hope to qualify for the World Cup. In a decisive double-header against Tunisia, coach Mohamed Magassouba will be able to count on a panel of players, most of whom are experienced in major continental tournaments, as well as a fine array of reliable players. First of all, the experienced Franco-Malian Abdoulaye Doucouré, who will make his first selection with his country of origin official. The 28-year-old Everton midfielder has accepted a call-up from the Eagles of Mali, although he was considered for the French national team before deciding to opt for Mali. Another reinforcement and not the least, Magassouba will count on the contribution of defender Almamy Toure, former Monegasque and former French U-21 international, who plays for Eintracht Frankfurt. For Almany Toure, this will be his first appearance for Mali, while another expatriate, Cheick Doucouré of Lens, is making his return after missing the CAN. So, even if it is full of players with undeniable qualities, especially in the middle where competition is raging with Amadou Haïdara (RB Leipzig), Yves Bissouma (Brighton), Diadié Samassékou (Hoffenheim), Mohamed Camara (Salzburg), Romenigue Kouamé (Troyes), Lassana Coulibaly (Salernitana), Adama Traoré (Hatayspor), Hamidou Traoré (Giresunspor) or Aliou Dieng (Al Ahly), Mali is leaving nothing to chance at the moment and is therefore reinforcing itself further, especially with the “two Doucourés”, Cheikh and Abdoulaye.
A hard blow and a big first
In terms of absenteeism, the withdrawal of central defender Falaye Sacko is confirmed. Team-mate of Wahbi Khazri at Saint Etienne, Sacko was unlucky against Troyes and suffered a serious knee injury. The medial collateral ligament was affected. This means that the expected duel between Khazri and Sacko will not take place. Néné Dorgeles will be in the Mali squad for the first time. Author of 10 goals and 5 assists in 22 games this season with SV Ried, the 19-year-old is logically launched in the big league and will lend a hand to the Eagles of Mali against Tunisia.
The list of academics :
Hamari Traoré,
Diadié Samassekou,
Camara Mohamed,
Haidara Amadou,
Bissouma Yves,
Doucouré Cheick,
Doumbia Moussa,
Dorgeles Nene.
