Togo’s Ouro-Akondo Tanko Courted by Mali Ahead of CAF Champions League Clash
Stade Malien’s rising star Ouro-Akondo Tanko has caught the attention of Malian football officials, who are reportedly keen to persuade the Togolese left-back to switch national allegiances.
Tanko, who joined Stade Malien last November from Tonnere de Bohicon in Benin, has impressed in recent weeks with a string of standout performances. The 24-year-old has scored twice in his last three matches in the Malian league and is set to play a key role in Stade Malien’s CAF Champions League round of 16 first leg clash against DR Congo giants TP Mazembe on Saturday.
According to sources close to the club, Tanko was approached on Thursday by senior officials from the Malian Football Federation, including the federation’s vice-president and secretary general, shortly after the team’s final training session ahead of the match. The officials reportedly inquired about his international status with Togo and made a formal invitation for him to consider representing Mali — in the presence of his coach.
Tanko, who began his career with Foadan FC in northern Togo, later confirmed the approach but reaffirmed his commitment to the Togolese national team, the Hawks.
“I’ve been thinking about it since yesterday, but I love my country and I want to defend my country’s colours,” he said on Friday morning.
The timing of the move adds intrigue ahead of Stade Malien’s high-profile encounter with TP Mazembe, the club led by influential Congolese businessman Moïse Katumbi. The Bamako-based side are hoping to make a deep run in the competition, and Tanko’s form has become central to their ambitions.
For now, the defender remains fully focused on his club duties, as Stade Malien aim to build a strong foundation at home before heading to Lubumbashi for the return leg.
Tanko’s potential international future, however, remains a topic of growing interest — particularly as Mali continues to scout dual-eligible talent in a bid to strengthen their national team setup.
