Mali Boosts Confidence with Friendly Win Ahead of Crucial AFCON U-20 Qualifier Against Togo
Bamako, Mali — After securing qualification past Burkina Faso in the previous round, Mali’s U-20 team has gained momentum following a narrow 1-0 friendly victory over South Africa on July 26 in Bamako. The encouraging result has bolstered the confidence of Malian coach Fagnery Diarra ahead of their decisive Africa Cup of Nations Under-20 qualifier against Togo on August 17.
Despite the recent win, Diarra remains cautiously optimistic. His team, nicknamed the Aiglons, had earlier faced a setback after their away victory in Ouagadougou was followed by a 2-0 home defeat to Burkina Faso in the return leg.
“This is an important first round. On Sunday, we need a victory with a safety margin that we can consolidate in two weeks in Lomé,” Diarra said.
The coach praised the quality of preparations, emphasizing the players’ commitment and fitness: “Our preparation has been good, even excellent. One of the great things about this period is that we have no injuries. Apart from the hiccup in the return match against Burkina Faso, we showed some very good things in the preparation matches. Now we have to hang on and give it our all.”
The Malian squad enters the qualifier with strong belief in their ability to qualify. Historically, the Aiglons have been consistent contenders in the final phases of the competition since 1995, with the sole exception of the 2007 tournament.
Midfielder Diadié Samassékou echoed the team’s determination, stating, “We have a steely morale. We will play as we know how to do it.”
With the stakes high, Mali’s U-20 side will be looking to leverage their recent friendly success as a springboard toward securing a place in the Africa Cup of Nations finals and continuing their proud tradition in youth football.
