AFCON 2015 – Group D: Mali vs. Cameroon, a Clash of Experience and Ambition
In the second Group D encounter of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, Mali takes on Cameroon in what promises to be a tight and tactical battle between two well-established African football nations.
🟡 Mali: Solid, Experienced, and Still Ambitious
Having finished third in the last two editions (2012 and 2013), the Eagles of Mali are a formidable tournament side. Their leader, Seydou Keita (AS Roma), will once again carry the team both on and off the pitch.
However, they will be without their main striker, Cheick Diabaté, sidelined for months due to a knee injury. Coach Henri Kasperczak will instead trust Mustapha Yatabaré to lead the attack.
🔹 Mali Starting XI:
Soumaila Diakité – Molla Wagué, Salif Coulibaly, Adama Tamboura, Youssouf Sylla – Mahamane Traoré, Seydou Keita – Sambou Yatabaré, Bakary Sako – Mustapha Yatabaré
🔴 Cameroon: A New Chapter Post-Eto’o
Cameroon enters this CAN with the weight of history – four-time champions – but also the burden of a 12-year trophy drought and a disastrous 2014 World Cup.
With Samuel Eto’o now retired, a new generation has stepped up. Under coach Volker Finke, the team features names like Aboubakar, Choupo-Moting, and N’Jie—all tasked with restoring Cameroonian pride.
🔺 Cameroon Starting XI:
Fabrice Ondoa – Ambroise Oyongo, Nicolas Nkoulou, Aurélien Chedjou, Henri Bedimo – Raoul Loé, Eyong Enoh – Benjamin Moukandjo, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Edgar Salli – Vincent Aboubakar
⚔️ What to Expect?
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Cameroon brings athleticism and attacking flair.
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Mali counters with discipline, cohesion, and experience.
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Both teams are aiming to kickstart their tournament after Ivory Coast and Guinea drew earlier (1–1).
This match could prove decisive in Group D, often called the “Group of Death.” A win would give either side a massive advantage heading into the second round of fixtures.
