Mali v Cape Verde: Da Silva begins CAN 2027 campaign with key players in form

Mali host Cape Verde on Friday, 25 September, in the opening round of qualification for CAN 2027, with both sides expected to field strong line-ups.

The match will be Anthony Da Silva’s first in charge of the Eagles. He can call on several players who have started the season well, although Mali will be without Yves Bissouma, El Bilal Toure and Moussa Sylla.

Mamadou Sangare has attracted attention following his Premier League debut with Brentford, while Lassine Sinayoko has already scored three Ligue 1 goals for Paris FC.

Mali’s expected line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Djigui Diarra

Defenders: Hamari Traore, Ousmane Camara, Souleymane Sagnan, Nathan Gassama

Midfielders: Aliou Dieng, Mahamadou Doumbia, Mamadou Sangare

Forwards: Nene Dorgeles, Lassine Sinayoko, Gaoussou Diarra

Cape Verde have retained most of the squad that forms the core of their team despite the arrival of Humberto Bettencourt as manager.

Goalkeeper Vozinha remains an important figure, with Roberto Lopes continuing to provide experience in defence and Ryan Mendes leading the attacking threat. However, Steven Moreira and Helio Varela are unavailable because of injuries.

Cape Verde’s expected line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Vozinha

Defenders: Wagner Pina, Roberto Lopes, Diney Borges, Sidny Cabral

Midfielders: Laros Duarte, Kevin Pina, Deroy Duarte

Forwards: Ryan Mendes, Dailon Livramento, Jovane Cabral

The game represents the first match of the CAN 2027 qualifying campaign for both teams.

Ahead of the fixture, the published betting odds rate Mali at 2.16 to win. A draw is priced at 2.98, while Cape Verde are listed at 3.63.