Mali Begin AFCON 2015 Preparations with Camp in Gabon
The Malian national team, known as the Eagles, departed for Gabon on Tuesday to begin final preparations for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off in Equatorial Guinea from January 17 to February 8.
Head coach Henryk Kasperczak is working with a near-complete squad, with Drissa Diakité the only notable absentee at the time of departure. Key players such as Sambou and Mustapha Yatabaré, Fousseyni Diawara, Tongo Hamed Doumbia, Yacouba Sylla, Bakary Sako, Modibo Maïga, and Molla Wagué are all present, along with several players from African-based clubs.
Due to logistical complications, the team made a four-hour stopover in Cameroon en route to Gabon, with the lack of a direct flight cited as the main reason for the detour.
However, not all aspects of Mali’s preparation have gone smoothly. A friendly match against Tunisia, initially scheduled as a key part of their build-up, has been cancelled for organizational reasons. The cancellation forces Mali to reconsider its match-readiness strategy ahead of the tournament.
Mali has been drawn into Group D, one of the most competitive groups at the tournament, alongside Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and Guinea. With a blend of experience and emerging talent, the Eagles are hoping to make a strong impact, having reached the semi-finals in both 2012 and 2013.
Kasperczak, who previously led Mali to the 2002 AFCON final, will be aiming to harness his squad’s depth and experience as they prepare to navigate a challenging group stage.
