Mali appoint Anthony Da Silva as a new generation of stars prepares for key fixtures

Mali have begun a new era under Anthony Da Silva, with the new head coach naming a squad featuring several players in outstanding form ahead of matches against Cape Verde, Liberia and Tunisia.

Da Silva, a Franco-Portuguese coach, was not the expected first choice for the role and his appointment raised doubts among some supporters because of his limited experience as a number one. He was previously an assistant with Cameroon between 2019 and 2022.

The 24-year-old midfielder has made an impressive start to life in the Premier League with Brentford. Having joined the club this summer, Sangare has quickly shown that the step up to the English top flight has not been too great.

Lassine Sinayoko has been equally effective in attack, scoring four goals in his first three matches for Paris FC. Kamory Doumbia has matched that total during a prolific start to the season with Brest in Ligue 1.

El Bilal Toure, Moussa Sylla, Nene Dorgeles, Gaoussou Diarra and Amadou Haidara add further depth to a squad offering Da Silva a range of attacking and midfield options.

One notable omission is Yves Bissouma. The former captain is currently without a club after his contract with Tottenham ended, making his absence understandable.

Da Silva has also used his first squad to introduce several new players to the international set-up.

Adama Camara, 29, will earn his first cap after establishing himself as an important player for Paris FC. He will join club team-mate Sinayoko in the Mali squad.

Alimami Gory, who plays for Abha Club, is set to make his international debut at the age of 30.

The new arrivals also include two younger players. Ange Martial Tia, 19, has made a strong start to the season in Ligue 2 with Reims, while 18-year-old Emile Doucoure represents a longer-term investment.

Doucoure is a goalkeeper with Genk and remains a reserve at club level, but has already been included alongside established Mali goalkeepers Mamadou Samassa, Djigui Diarra and Ngolo Traore.

The squad therefore combines experienced internationals, players who are developing rapidly and first-time call-ups as Da Silva begins the work of reshaping the team.

The new coach will face an immediate test. Mali host Cape Verde on 23 September in their opening qualifying match for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Cape Verde will be without their long-serving coach Bubista, who has been appointed by RS Berkane.

Mali will then travel to Liberia four days later before concluding the international window with a friendly against Tunisia on 3 October.

That fixture will renew an important recent rivalry. Mali and Tunisia met in the last Africa Cup of Nations in the last 16, with the Eagles progressing after a penalty shootout.