Mali’s under-21 team began their Maurice Revello Tournament campaign with a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Panama on Tuesday at Stade Parsemain, placing the Aiglons under early pressure in Group A.
The tournament, renowned for showcasing emerging football talent, saw Mali face the reigning 2023 champions Panama, who entered the competition as strong contenders alongside France—holders of a record 13 final wins.
Despite Mali’s attacking efforts, Panama capitalised on key moments to secure victory.
The match’s defining moment came midway through the first half when Mali conceded a penalty following a swift Panamanian counterattack. Gustavo Herrera stepped up confidently to convert from the spot in the 21st minute, giving Panama an early lead. Mali pressed forward, with Ange Martial Tia and his teammates frequently testing the opposition defence, but struggled to find the clinical edge required to level the score.
The start of the second half proved costly for Mali as they were handed a second penalty shortly after the break. Raheen Randu Cuello Flores dispatched the spot-kick to double Panama’s advantage in the 46th minute. Despite falling behind by two goals, Mali showed resilience in the closing stages.
The Aiglons’ fightback began when substitute Wilson Samaké struck in the final moments, narrowing the deficit. Samaké, a centre-forward for Stade Rennais, expertly headed home a precise cross from Manchester United’s young prospect Sékou Koné, who had entered the game just fifteen minutes prior. This goal came despite Panama being reduced to ten men following the 84th-minute red card of José Alfredo Marengo Armuelles for a dangerous challenge.
Mali’s late resurgence injected renewed hope, but the time remaining was insufficient to salvage a draw or overturn the scoreline. The defeat leaves Mali at the bottom of Group A for now, pending the outcome of the evening’s match between France and Saudi Arabia.
Looking ahead, Mali face a crucial clash against France on Friday. Given the group’s tight competition, another loss could spell early elimination for the Aiglons, underscoring the high stakes of their next encounter.
The performance highlighted both the potential and vulnerabilities of Mali’s young squad. While their attacking intent was evident, lapses in concentration and discipline, particularly in conceding two penalties and allowing a numerical disadvantage, ultimately proved costly.
Coach and supporters alike will be keen to see how the team responds to this initial setback. The Maurice Revello Tournament offers valuable experience and exposure for emerging talents, and Mali’s journey remains alive, but demands urgent improvements if they are to advance beyond the group stage.
As the competition progresses, the Aiglons will need to sharpen their defensive organisation and convert their chances more efficiently to compete against strong rivals in the group.
The upcoming game against a formidable French side could provide both a stern test and an opportunity to demonstrate their resilience and quality on the international stage.
For now, Mali must regroup quickly and harness their collective spirit to keep their tournament hopes intact.
⏱️ 90′ | 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘
Mali 🇲🇱 1⃣-2⃣ 🇵🇦 Panama
⚽️ Gustavo Herrera (21′, p) 🇵🇦
⚽️ Raheen Cuello (46′) 🇵🇦
⚽️ Wilson Samaké (89′) 🇲🇱#MLIPAN #TMR2025 pic.twitter.com/NdFkv4JFh7— Tournoi Maurice Revello (@TournoiMRevello) June 3, 2025
