Mali striker Kalifala Doumbia switches to Gandzasar for 2026-27 campaign

Mali centre-forward Kalifala Doumbia has joined Gandzasar from FC Noah on a season-long loan, giving the Armenian Premier League club a new attacking option for the 2026-27 campaign.

The 21-year-old, who is 1.79m tall and prefers his left foot, returns to a domestic competition he already knows after spending the opening part of the season with Noah. Doumbia has made three Premier League appearances this term, scoring once, and has also played 10 minutes in Uefa Conference League qualifying.

His move to Gandzasar comes less than two months after he joined Noah from Ararat Yerevan on a free transfer. Doumbia had previously played for Malian club Guidars FC before moving to Armenia in August 2023.

Doumbia’s early league record includes 118 minutes of action and one goal, with his three appearances including a place in the starting line-up in 40% of the matches in which he has featured. He has also recorded one appearance in European qualifying.

The forward joins Gandzasar during a season in which he has already gained experience in both domestic competition and continental football. His arrival keeps him in Armenia’s Premier League while changing his club for the remainder of the campaign.

Doumbia’s international nationality is Mali, while his recorded club career has been based in Mali and Armenia. He spent the 2023-24 season with Ararat Yerevan before moving to Noah at the start of July 2026.

The loan agreement runs until 30 June 2027, when Doumbia is scheduled to return to FC Noah.