Mali coach Anthony Da Silva announces squad for 2027 AFCON qualifiers

Mali head coach Anthony Da Silva has announced his squad for the opening matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The Eagles will begin their Group K campaign at home against Cape Verde on September 25 at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako.

Mali will then travel to Monrovia four days later to face Liberia in their second qualifying fixture as they look to make a strong start to their campaign.

Da Silva has also included a friendly against Tunisia in the team’s schedule, with the encounter set to take place on October 3 following the opening two AFCON qualifying matches.

The squad features a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, with several players currently based at clubs across Europe and Africa.

Experienced defender Hamari Traoré is included in the squad, while RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara, Brentford’s Mamadou Sangaré and West Bromwich Albion midfielder Ousmane Diakité also make the cut.

In attack, Mali will rely on the likes of El Bilal Touré, Moussa Sylla, Lassine Sinayoko, Nene Dorgeles and Feyenoord forward Gaoussou Diarra.

With a strong contingent of Europe-based players, the Eagles will hope to translate their individual quality into a positive start to the qualifying campaign.

The opening clash against Cape Verde will be particularly important as Mali seek to establish themselves early in Group K before travelling to Liberia for another crucial encounter.

Da Silva will also have the opportunity to further assess his squad when Mali face Tunisia in the October friendly as preparations for the remainder of the AFCON qualifying campaign continue.

Mali squad for 2027 AFCON qualifiers

Goalkeepers: Mamadou Samassa (Stade Lavallois), Djigui Diarra (Young Africans), Émile Doucouré (KRC Genk), Ngolo Traoré (Stade Malien).

Defenders: Ousmane Camara (Angers SCO), Modibo Sagnan (Rizespor), Daouda Guindo (Stade de Reims), Amadou Danté (Zbrojovka), Hamari Traoré (Paris FC), Nathan Gassama (Baltika Kaliningrad), Check Keita (Royal Charleroi FC), Adama Camara (Paris FC).

Midfielders: Aliou Dieng (Valencia FC), Amadou Haidara (RB Leipzig), Lassana Coulibaly (US Lecce), Ousmane Diakité (West Bromwich Albion), Kamory Doumbia (Stade Brestois 29), Issa Djiguiba (Rayon Sport), Mamadou Sangaré (Brentford FC).

Forwards: Lassine Sinayoko (Paris FC), El Bilal Touré (Parma FC), Moussa Sylla (FC Schalke 04), Alimami Gory (Abha Club), Nene Dorgeles (Fenerbahce SK), Gaoussou Diarra (Feyenoord Rotterdam), Ange Martial Tia (Stade de Reims).