As the countdown to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) begins, speculations swirl around the potential inclusion of rising talents in Mali’s national squad.
Among the noteworthy contenders is Sirine Doucouré, a 21-year-old Franco-Malian forward currently plying his trade at Lorient in Ligue 1.
Doucouré, who hails from Nogent-sur-Marne, has garnered attention for his performances this season with Lorient, featuring in 10 matches, contributing 1 goal, and providing 3 assists.
Despite grappling to secure a prominent position on the scoresheet in Ligue 1 with only one goal in 22 appearances in his career, the 6’3″ attacker’s prowess in aerial duels and adeptness in creating goal-scoring opportunities make him a compelling prospect for Mali’s national team.
The Eagles of Mali, a specialized source tracking Malian football, suggests that Doucouré could potentially don the Mali jersey during the upcoming tournament in Ivory Coast. His inclusion gains significance in light of the absence of Ibrahima Koné.
Another player in contention is Sory Diarra, a 23-year-old forward with notable contributions to Haugesund in the Norwegian top-flight league.
Hailing from Ségou, Diarra has notched up an impressive season, featuring in 25 matches and scoring 8 goals.
While he might not match the statistics of Cameroonian newcomer Faris Pemi Moumbagna, who has lit up the Nordic championship with 15 goals in 28 matches, Diarra’s performances have not gone unnoticed.
With a contract running until June 2026 with FK Haugesund, Diarra has attracted interest from English club Leeds United and Serie A strugglers Salernitana.
Standing tall at 6’2″, the former top scorer of the Romanian 2nd division (2020-2021) is poised to bring a robust and goal-scoring presence to Eric Chelle’s list for Mali’s national squad in the upcoming tournament.
