Ousmane Camara has declared his intention to represent Mali at international level, in a high-stakes decision ahead of the Eagles’ upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Comoros and Ghana.
Born in the Paris suburbs to Malian parents, Camara previously represented France at youth level, featuring in the U20 World Cup. While he did not advance beyond the group stage, his performances set him apart as a promising defensive talent, nurtured within the Paris FC academy.
Now, the central defender—currently plying his trade with Angers SCO—has chosen to commit his international future to Mali, a decision that aligns with a growing wave of dual nationals opting to play for their countries of heritage.
At 1.97 metres tall, Camara brings both physical dominance and technical maturity to the heart of defence. He has established himself as a regular starter at Angers, having delivered consistent performances early in the Ligue 1 season—including helping secure a 1-0 win over Paris FC and featuring in a narrow defeat against PSG.
His form arrives at a pivotal moment for Mali, as the Eagles seek a reliable defensive anchor amidst mounting pressure in Group I.
Currently sitting fourth in the standings, Mali trail both Comoros and Ghana—the group’s leaders—by at least three points. The narrow margin for error leaves little room for mistakes, particularly after a mixed start to the qualifiers, which saw Mali emphatically dispatch Comoros 3-0 only to suffer a 2-1 loss at home to Ghana. Against this backdrop, coach Tom Saintfiet is preparing to include Camara in his next squad, banking on the defender’s tactical awareness and consistency to elevate the team’s defensive structure.
The anticipated call-up signals a strategic shift for Mali: integrating a player equipped with European experience and accustomed to high-tempo competition. Camara’s arrival could bolster not only the backline but also the team’s composure in key moments—especially during high-intensity fixtures expected during the international window.
Should his inclusion be confirmed, Camara will likely make his debut for the Eagles during the upcoming winter break fixtures. His presence will be eagerly watched by fans and teammates alike, who hope that his robust defending and understanding of the game will shore up Mali’s ambitions.
For Saintfiet, the move represents both a tactical opportunity and a morale boost—injecting new blood into a squad that needs leadership and resilience. The coach is counting on Camara to translate his club form to the international arena when the stakes are highest.
As Mali gear up for a defining phase in their qualification campaign, Ousmane Camara’s decision to switch allegiance could prove instrumental. In a race where every point counts, the young defender’s arrival may be exactly the reinforcement the Eagles need.