The official 23-man squad for Mali ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations has been confirmed. After days of speculation regarding the announcement, the Malian Football Federation (Femafoot) officially released the list this Saturday at the conclusion of their General Assembly. The meeting, which concluded successfully, ensures that the Eagles can participate in the tournament in Egypt without facing the FIFA sanctions that had threatened their participation in recent days.
From the 27 players initially selected, four were dropped due to injury, leaving a final squad of 23. The players omitted by coach Mohamed Magassouba include midfielders Hadis Sacko (Ankaragucu, Turkey), Idrissa Traoré (Shabab Al Jabal, Libya), Souleymane Diarra (Lens, France), and striker Yves Bissouma (Brighton, England). Additionally, Troyes goalkeeper Mamadou Samassa, who failed to honor his call-up, was replaced by Ibrahim Mounkoro, ensuring the squad has three goalkeepers available for the tournament.
The final Malian squad for AFCON 2019 consists of the following players:
Goalkeepers: Djigui Diarra (Stade Malien de Bamako, Mali), Ibrahim Mounkoro (TP Mazembe, DRC), Adama Keita (Djoliba, Mali).
Defenders: Molla Wagué (Nottingham Forest, England), Hamari Touré (Rennes, France), Falaye Sacko (Vitoria Guimaraes, Portugal), Moussa Haidara (Lens, France), Youssouf Koné (Lille, France), Mamadou Fofana (FC Metz, France), Boubacar Kiki Kouyaté (Troyes, France).
Midfielders: Diadié Samassékou (RB Salzburg, Austria), Amadou Haidara (RB Leipzig, Germany), Cheick Doucouré (Lens, France), Lassana Coulibaly (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Adama Traoré (Cercle Bruges, Belgium).
Forwards: Moussa Djenepo (Southampton, England), Moussa Doumbia (Stade de Reims, France), Abdoulaye Diaby (Sporting CP, Portugal), Moussa Maréga (FC Porto, Portugal), Kalifa Coulibaly (Nantes, France), Adama Niane (Charleroi, Belgium), Adama Traoré (Orléans, France), Sékou Koïta (Wolfsberg, Austria).
With this finalized squad, Mali now prepares to compete in AFCON 2019, bringing a mix of domestic talent and European-based players. The team aims to make a strong impression in Egypt, relying on the experience of their European professionals and the cohesion of the group to navigate the challenges of the tournament successfully. The announcement of the squad also marks a resolution to administrative uncertainties, allowing the Eagles to focus entirely on their preparations and tactical plans under coach Mohamed Magassouba’s guidance.
This selection combines defensive solidity, midfield creativity, and attacking options, giving Mali a balanced squad capable of competing at a high level in the continental championship. With key players such as Diadié Samassékou, Amadou Haidara, Moussa Djenepo, and Sékou Koïta, the Eagles are expected to be a competitive force in AFCON 2019, ready to challenge for progression from the group stage and beyond.
