Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has named a dramatically reshuffled 23-man squad for the upcoming international friendly against the Democratic Republic of Congo, scheduled for 5 June at the Stade de la Source in Orléans, France.
The selection, described by many as unexpected, features a host of new faces while several established names are notably absent.
Saintfiet has opted to rest nearly thirteen players who were part of the squad in March, signalling a clear intent to assess emerging talent ahead of future competitions.
Among the most high-profile absentees is striker El Bilal Touré, accompanied by a string of other regulars including Youssouf Koïta, Abdoulaye Diaby, Mamadou Fofana, Moussa Diarra, Cheick Oumar Konaté, Mohamed Camara, Ibrahima Sissoko, Mamadou Sangaré, Nene Dorgeles, Sekou Koita, Ibrahima Koné, and Youssoufou Niakaté.
Hamari Traoré, the long-serving right-back and former captain, remains excluded from the squad for a sixth consecutive call-up, continuing a puzzling omission under Saintfiet’s tenure.
The goalkeeping department sees the introduction of Lassine Diarra, a 22-year-old talent from Olympique Lyonnais’ reserve side, stepping in for Koïta.
The selection marks a significant opportunity for Diarra, who previously featured at U23 level.
In defence and midfield, the coach has opted for fresh blood. Woyo Coulibaly of Leicester City, Moussa Diakité of Cádiz, Kalidou Sidibé from En Avant Guingamp, and Gaoussou Diarra of Istanbulspor are all handed call-ups.
Mahamadou Doumbia, the 21-year-old midfielder from Royal Antwerp, also receives a nod, further highlighting Saintfiet’s desire to inject youth and potential into the squad.
There is a return for central defender Check Keita, who re-joins the group after three previous call-ups without making an appearance.
He is yet to earn his first international cap but will be hoping to feature against the DRC.
Lassine Sinayoko, Moussa Sylla, and Mamadou Doumbia—each of whom featured in previous windows—also make their return to the national setup.
Sylla, whose selection last October was partly attributed to his imposing physical profile, remains in Saintfiet’s plans.
Among the regulars retained are team captain Yves Bissouma, Kamory Doumbia, and Sikou Niakaté, all of whom are expected to provide experience and stability within an otherwise experimental lineup.
The friendly offers Saintfiet an ideal platform to evaluate new options and assess squad depth as Mali prepares for more competitive fixtures on the horizon.
