Five Mali talents who stood out as the Aiglonnets retained AES Games title

Mali retained the Alliance of Sahel States Games title on Tuesday after beating Burkina Faso A on penalties in the final.

The match ended 1-1 before Mali triumphed 4-2 in the shootout. The Aiglonnets had dominated the tournament, defeating Burkina Faso B 6-0, Burkina Faso A 5-1 and Niger 3-0 on their way to the final.

They also claimed all the individual awards, with Yaya Niang finishing as the leading scorer, Issiaka Kone named the best player and Abdoul Razack Coulibaly selected as the best goalkeeper.

Balla Sanogo, the current sporting director of ABM Foot Academy, highlighted five players who made a particular impression in Burkina Faso, while stressing that the achievement belonged to the entire Mali squad.

Yaya Niang, a natural goalscorer

ABM Foot Academy forward Yaya Niang was one of the main figures in Mali’s successful campaign.

The striker had not been involved in the previous Africa Cup of Nations, but made a decisive impact at the second Alliance of Sahel States Games. He scored five goals in four matches to finish as the competition’s top scorer.

Issiaka Kone, the midfield magician

Issiaka Kone is regarded as one of the promising young midfielders emerging from ABM Foot Academy.

The teenager has already made several appearances this season in the Malian Ligue 1 with the academy’s senior side, Mali Coura FC. His performances at the AES Games attracted widespread attention and earned him the award for best player of the tournament.

Abdoul Razack Coulibaly, Mali’s decisive goalkeeper

Another ABM Foot Academy player, Abdoul Razack Coulibaly conceded only two goals in four matches.

He was particularly influential in the final against Burkina Faso A, making his contribution during the penalty shootout as Mali secured a 4-2 victory after the game had finished 1-1. His performances earned him the award for best goalkeeper.

Aboubacar Maiga, technical quality and vision

Aboubacar Maiga stood out for his technical ability, game intelligence and vision.

The Mali forward helped change the final after coming on, winning the penalty from which the Aiglonnets scored their equaliser against Burkina Faso A.

Maiga has also attracted interest from leading European clubs. Barcelona, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain were among the sides reported to be monitoring him. He is ultimately expected to join the Paris club’s project, according to an exclusive report by Africafoot.

Ismael Kamissoko, a leader in midfield

Captain of Mali’s Under-17 team, Ismael Kamissoko has established himself as a natural leader.

A midfielder by trade, Kamissoko is also capable of contributing in attack and finding the net, as he demonstrated during the Alliance of Sahel States Games and Burkina Faso tournament.

His performances have drawn interest from several European clubs, including Olympique de Marseille, Burnley, Southampton and Paris FC, as previously reported by Africafoot.