Mali U23 Eagles sweep aside Indonesia in friendly victory

Mali’s U23 national team produced a commanding performance to defeat Indonesia 3-0 in a friendly match at Pakansari Stadium on Saturday, November 15, 2025.

The visitors set the tone early, taking the lead in the 5th minute when Sékou Doucouré expertly headed in a corner delivered by Hamidou Makalou.

Mali’s dominance was clear from the outset, with the Aigles Espoirs controlling possession and consistently testing Indonesia’s defensive organization.

Wilson Samaké extended the advantage in the 33rd minute with a composed finish, demonstrating his technical skill and attacking awareness.

Samaké was brilliant in his offensive positioning, a Mali coach noted, highlighting the young player’s growing influence on the team’s forward play.

Despite Indonesia attempting to respond, Mali maintained their tactical discipline, closing down space and cutting off passing lanes effectively.

The team’s defensive cohesion ensured that the visitors faced limited threats, with goalkeeper and backline coordination particularly impressive.

In the closing stages, Moulaye Haïdara capped off the victory with a powerful strike in the 92nd minute, leaving no doubt about Mali’s control over the match.

The 3-0 result reflected both the team’s attacking potency and defensive solidity.

“This was a strong performance from the team. We created chances, defended well, and showed good chemistry, said the coach after the game. It gives us confidence as we prepare for the return match on November 18th.”

The win provides a significant morale boost for Mali’s U23 squad, confirming their positive momentum ahead of future fixtures.

Analysts noted the team’s ability to combine individual skill with structured teamwork, which bodes well for upcoming competitive matches.

Mali’s U23 Eagles will now look to carry this momentum into the return match, confident in their ability to replicate the performance.

The friendly also offered valuable opportunities for younger players to integrate into the squad and gain international experience.

With a mixture of seasoned performers and emerging talent, Mali’s U23 team appears well-positioned to continue their development, using controlled victories like this as a platform to refine tactics and build cohesion ahead of future tournaments.