Mali’s national football team is grappling with significant absences as they prepare for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The Mali Football Federation (FEMAFOOT) has announced that eight players will miss the crucial early stages of the tournament due to ongoing tensions with the federation.
The absentees include key defenders Hamari Traoré and Massadio Haidara, as well as midfielders Amadou Haidara, Malick Yalcouyé, and Lucien Kevin Zohi.
Forwards Néné Dorgeles, Lassine Sinayoko, and Moussa Sylla will also be missing from the squad. In response to these withdrawals, FEMAFOOT has updated the roster, introducing new players to fill the gaps.
Defender Fodé Doucouré, alongside young forwards Amady Camara and Mamadou Doumbia, has been called up to join the team.
This adjustment has required the technical staff to make swift changes to their plans.
New head coach Tom Saintfiet, who was set to start his tenure later, has begun his role earlier than anticipated.
Saintfiet arrived at the Eagles’ training camp at the Ousmane Traoré Elite Sports Center in Kabala on September 2, 2024.
He will oversee the team as they face Mozambique at home on September 6, followed by an away match against Eswatini four days later.
The updated Mali squad for the qualifiers is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Djigui Diarra, N’golo Traoré, Youssouf Koita
Defenders: Falaye Sacko, Salim Diakite, Ousmane Diallo, Abdoulaye Diaby, Check Keita, Mamadou Fofana, Fodé Doucouré
Midfielders: Mohamed Camara, Lassana Coulibaly, Ousmane Diakité, Aliou Dieng, Mamadou Sangaré, Yves Bissouma
Forwards: Adama Traoré, Moussa Djenepo, Sory Ibrahim Diarra, Sékou Koita, Amady Camara, Mamadou Doumbia
As the team adjusts to these changes, the Eagles will be eager to navigate these early challenges in their quest to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
