Mali Head Coach Alain Giresse Names Squad for Key AFCON Qualifier Against Benin
Mali’s national team will face Benin on September 6th in the second round of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, and head coach Alain Giresse has unveiled his squad for the crucial match. Speaking ahead of the game, Giresse highlighted the importance of the away fixture, noting that securing points on the road will be critical to their qualification ambitions.
“This is our first away game, which changes the situation compared to the first matchday we played at home,” Giresse explained to the press. “In terms of scoring, it’s a very important match. We took three points at home that we need to improve on this second matchday. That’s the goal, and getting positive results away from home is an important factor in the race to qualify.”
The French coach acknowledged the challenge posed by Benin, saying, “The match against Benin will be anything but easy. I had to deal with all these factors when drawing up the selection list.”
Giresse also addressed some of the selection decisions, particularly the exclusion of players from the Malian domestic league. “I am not convinced by the performance of the players. They (the local players) are not ready. I was not reassured by the performance of the Espoirs, despite their qualification for the CAN. I will have time to follow them during the final phase. In any case, the doors of the national team will always remain open for everyone,” he said.
However, Giresse did make the decision to call up certain players who are currently without clubs, including goalkeeper Soumaïla Diakité. “It’s true that these players don’t play, but it’s a choice we made and we have to accept it,” the coach explained.
With Mali looking to build on their victory in the opening round against the Ivory Coast, the match against Benin will be pivotal as they aim to maintain their momentum in the qualification campaign.
