Brest’s rising star, Kamory Doumbia, is set to embark on his maiden African Cup of Nations (AFCON) journey as part of Mali’s squad, ready to showcase his burgeoning talent in the tournament scheduled from January 13 to February 11, 2024, in Ivory Coast.
The 20-year-old prodigy has already left an indelible mark, securing his place in the national team with five goals to his name.
Having received his first call-up to the Eagles of Mali in June 2022, Doumbia quickly established himself as a pivotal figure during the AFCON -2023 qualifiers against Congo and South Sudan.
In his debut appearance in a friendly match against Zambia on September 23, 2022, Doumbia played a crucial role, providing the assist for Mali’s winning goal, courtesy of El Bilal Touré.
The young talent netted his inaugural goal for Mali’s senior team in March 2023, contributing to their triumph over Gambia in the AFCON-2023 qualifiers.
However, Doumbia truly seized the spotlight in December when he delivered a spectacular performance against Lorient on December 20.
In a stunning display of skill and precision, he netted four goals within a remarkable 25-minute timeframe, propelling Brest to a commanding 4-0 victory.
This outstanding achievement earned Doumbia recognition, making him the first player in Ligue 1 history to score four goals in the first half in just 25 minutes.
Before his extraordinary feat against Lorient, Doumbia had scored one goal in the league throughout the season.
His sudden burst of prolific form not only solidified his place in the Brest lineup but also highlighted his versatility as a dynamic goal-scoring threat.
Heading into AFCON 2024, Doumbia stands as a remarkable force, having found the net in five major football leagues, including those in England, Germany, Spain, Italy, and France.
As Mali prepares for the upcoming tournament, the Bamako native aims to continue his impressive goal-scoring streak, offering a glimpse of his potential on the continental stage.
The Eagles of Mali will face Guinea-Bissau in a friendly match on January 6, setting the stage for Doumbia to further exhibit his prowess and contribute to Mali’s AFCON campaign.
