Mali name four uncapped players in Anthony da Silva’s first squad

Anthony da Silva has selected four uncapped players for Mali’s Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying matches against Cape Verde on 23 September and Liberia on 27 September.

Goalkeeper Emile Doucoure, winger Ange Martial Tia, defender Adama Camara and forward Alimami Gory have been included in the new Mali manager’s first squad.

The list was announced after da Silva was recently appointed to lead the Eagles. Former FC Nantes and Mali striker Tenema N’Diaye, known as “Takise”, told Africafoot he has confidence in the group chosen for the opening qualifying fixtures.

The squad also includes two emerging players in Doucoure and Tia, who plays for Stade de Reims. Several established members are absent for various reasons, including captain Yves Bissouma, who is currently without a club.

Other unavailable players named in the report are Woyo Coulibaly of Leicester City, Abdoulaye Diaby of Grasshopper Zurich, Gaoussou Diakite of Red Bull Salzbourg, Sikou Niakate of US Braga, Mohamed Camara “Tiamantie” of Al Sadd and Mahamadou Doumbia of Ittihad.

N’Diaye said the team would need to show discipline and commitment during the upcoming matches. Mali will face Tunisia in a friendly on 3 October, after the two qualifiers.

That game will be played at the Taieb Mhiri Stadium in Sfax, a port city in the east of Tunisia approximately 270 kilometres from the capital, Tunis.

Mali squad

Goalkeepers: Djigui Diarra (Young Africans/TAN), Mamadou Samassa (Stade Lavallois/FRA), Emile Doucoure (KRC Genk/BEL), Ngolo Traore (Stade Malien)

Defenders: Ousmane Camara (Angers SCO/FRA), Hamari Traore (Paris FC/FRA), Adama Camara (Paris FC/FRA), Daouda Guindo “DG” (Stade de Reims/FRA), Cheick Keita (Royal Charleroi FC/BEL), Modibo Sagnan (Rizespor/TUR), Amadou Dante (FC Zbrojovka Brno/CZE), Nathan Gassama (Baltika/RUS)

Midfielders: Aliou Dieng (Valence CF/ESP), Mamadou Sangare “Gaucher” (Brentford/ENG), Ousmane Diakite (West Bromwich Albion/ENG), Lassana Coulibaly (US Lecce/ITA), Kamory Doumbia “La Toupie” (Stade Brestois/FRA), Amadou Haidara “Doudou” (RC Lens/FRA), Issa Djiguiba (Rayon Sport/TAN)

Forwards: Lassine Sinayoko (Paris FC/FRA), El Bilal Toure (Parma AC/ITA), Moussa Sylla (FC Schalke 04/GER), Dorgeles Nene (Fenerbahce/TUR), Gaoussou Kyassou Diarra (Feyenoord/NED), Ange Martial Tia (Stade de Reims/FRA), Alimami Gory (Abha Club/SAU)