Dakar mission begins as Mali U17 target route to Africa Cup of Nations

Mali’s national Under-17 team arrived in Dakar on Thursday, 3 September 2026, ahead of the UFOA-A tournament, which will determine qualification for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Malian delegation landed at Blaise Diagne International Airport at about 17:00 before travelling into the centre of Dakar. The team has taken up residence at the Fleur de Lys Hotel, which will serve as its base during the competition.

Mali have been placed in Group B and will begin their campaign against Liberia on Tuesday, 8 September. Their second group-stage fixture is scheduled for 11 September, when they will face Guinea-Bissau.

The Aiglonnets will complete their group commitments against Guinea on 14 September. The three matches will decide Mali’s progress in a tournament being used as a qualifying route for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

Their preparations in Senegal will begin with a training session on Friday, 4 September. The first workout is due to start at 10:00 at Stade municipal de Ngor.

The arrival in Dakar marks the start of Mali’s involvement in this year’s UFOA-A U17 tournament. With the opening match against Liberia only a few days away, the squad has now settled into its headquarters and can turn its attention to preparations for the group stage.

Mali’s schedule will then move quickly. After the meeting with Liberia, the side will return to action against Guinea-Bissau three days later, before facing Guinea on 14 September in its final Group B fixture.

The delegation’s journey from Blaise Diagne International Airport to the Fleur de Lys Hotel completed the first stage of its stay in Senegal. Friday’s session at Stade municipal de Ngor will provide the team with its first opportunity to train after arriving in Dakar.

The UFOA-A tournament therefore represents both a regional competition and an important qualification opportunity for Mali’s Under-17 side. The Aiglonnets’ campaign will start on 8 September and conclude with the Group B encounter against Guinea six days later.