Mali win race for Mohamadou Kante as West Ham midfielder earns first call-up

Mali have selected West Ham midfielder Mohamadou Kante for the first time after he chose to represent the Eagles ahead of France and Senegal, the country of his parents’ origin.

The 21-year-old is among the 24 players named by Mali manager Anthony Da Silva for the two Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying matches against Rwanda on 13 and 17 November.

Kante, who holds three nationalities, has been included after making a strong impression in a more advanced role for West Ham. He has scored three goals and provided two assists in his past nine appearances for the Hammers.

Although he is primarily a defensive midfielder, his power and aerial ability could offer Mali another option in attack if Da Silva deploys him further forward.

The squad also contains a first senior call-up for winger Moussa Yeo. The 22-year-old can play on either flank and has scored three times in his past five matches for Swansea.

There are recalls for Fode Doucoure of Nantes, Gaoussou Diakite of Salzbourg and Mamadou Camara of Montpellier.

Doucoure and Diakite had not been selected since May, while Camara returns to the national team for the first time since appearing at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in January.

The remainder of the squad is largely unchanged, with established players including Hamari Traore, Aliou Dieng, Amadou Haidara, Kamory Doumbia, Lassine Sinayoko, Mamadou Doumbia, Dorgeles Nene and Ousmane Camara all retained.

However, Mali will be without three injured players. Ange Martial Tia, who impressed for Stade de Reims in September, is unavailable with an ankle problem. Adama Camara has a hamstring injury, while Lassana Coulibaly is suffering from a biceps femoris issue.

Mali began their qualifying campaign with victories over Cape Verde and Liberia. They won 3-1 against Cape Verde before securing a 1-0 away victory against Liberia.

The Eagles and Rwanda are joint leaders of Group K, making the two matches particularly significant. Two Mali victories would move Da Silva’s side clear at the top of the group and put them considerably closer to qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027.