Mali v Cape Verde: Official line-ups confirmed for CAN 2027 qualifier

Mali and Cape Verde have named their starting line-ups for the opening match of their CAN 2027 qualifying campaign at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako.

Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 GMT, with the teams announced just minutes before the start of the Group 1 fixture.

The match marks Anthony Da Silva’s first game in charge of Mali. The new Aigles coach will be without several key players, including Yves Bissouma.

Da Silva has selected an attacking 4-3-3 formation, with Dorgeles, Sinayoko and Gaoussou Diarra forming the front three as Mali look to make a strong start on home soil.

Cape Verde will rely on the experience of their long-serving goalkeeper Vozinha, while Ryan Mendes provides an important attacking outlet for the Blue Sharks.

Mali’s starting XI is:

Mali (4-3-3): Djigui Diarra; Hamari Traore, Ousmane Camara, Sagnan, Nathan Gassama; Dieng, Doumbia, Sangare; Dorgeles, Sinayoko, Gaoussou Diarra.

Cape Verde line up in the same formation.

Cape Verde (4-3-3): Vozinha; Wagner Pina, Pico Lopes, Borges, Lopes Cabral; Laros Duarte, Kevin Pina, Deroy Duarte; Mendes, Livramento, Jovane Cabral.