AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Anthony Da Silva names Mali squad for Rwanda double-header

Mali have announced a 24-man squad for their two-legged encounter against Rwanda in the November international window as they continue their campaign to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Head coach Anthony Da Silva has selected a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents for the double-header, with the Eagles scheduled to face Rwanda on 13 and 17 November 2026.

The first encounter will be played in Mali on 13 November before the two sides travel to Rwanda for the return fixture on 17 November.

Among the notable names in the squad are midfielder Amadou Haidara of RC Lens, Mamadou Sangare of Brentford, Mohamadou Kante of West Ham United and Aliou Dieng of Valencia.

The squad also features several players competing in Europe’s top leagues, including forward Dorgeles Nene, who plays for Fenerbahce, Gaoussou Diakité of Salzburg and Lassine Sinayoko of Paris FC.

In defence, Da Silva has called upon Hamari Traoré of Paris FC, Modibo Sagnan of Rizespor, Daouda Guindo of Stade de Reims and Amadou Dante of Zbrojovka, among others.

Goalkeepers Mamadou Samassa of Stade Lavallois, Djigui Diarra of Young Africans and Émile Doucouré of KRC Genk complete the selection.

Mali will be hoping to make the most of home advantage in the opening encounter before travelling to Rwanda for what could prove to be a decisive return fixture in their qualification campaign.

The Eagles are targeting maximum points from the two matches as they seek to strengthen their position in the race for a place at the 2027 AFCON, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Mali squad for Rwanda double-header

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

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

Midfielders: Aliou Dieng (Valencia), Amadou Haidara (RC Lens), Mohamadou Kante (West Ham United), Kamory Doumbia (Stade Brestois 29), Mamadou Sangare (Brentford), Ousmane Diakité (West Bromwich Albion).

Forwards: Lassine Sinayoko (Paris FC), Moussa Yeo (Swansea City), Gaoussou Diakité (Salzburg), Mamadou Doumbia (Watford), Dorgeles Nene (Fenerbahce), Gaoussou Diarra (Feyenoord Rotterdam), Mamadou Camara (Montpellier HSC).