Mali’s national team coach, Tom Saintfiet, unveiled his 28-man squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) in Morocco on Thursday, December 11th.
The squad is highlighted by the return of star midfielder Yves Bissouma and a strong contingent of players from France’s Ligue 1.
The AfCON, which will feature 24 teams, is set to begin soon, and the Belgian coach has confirmed his roster for the tournament. Key among the selections is Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma, who missed Mali’s recent international breaks.
Coach Saintfiet has balanced several newcomers with experienced players, including Djigui Diarra (Jeunes Africains, Tanzania), Sikou Niakaté (Braga, Portugal), and Aliou Dieng (Al-Ahly, Egypt).
The French Ligue 1 is heavily represented, with call-ups for Fode Doucoure (Le Havre), Hamari Traore (Paris FC), Ousmane Camara (Angers), Mamadou Sangare (Lens), Kamory Doumbia (Brest), and Lassine Sinayoko (Auxerre).
The Eagles will compete in Group A, where they face a challenging schedule: December 22: Zambia, December 26: Host nation Morocco, December 29: Comoros.
In attack, Saintfiet will rely on Nene Dorgeles (Fenerbahçe, Turkey), El Bilal Toure (Besiktas, Turkey), Gaoussou Diarra (Feyenoord, Netherlands), and Mamadou Doumbia (Watford, England) to lead the offensive line.
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