Mali, 1972 Africa Cup of Nations runners-up in Cameroon, will return to the same places with the objective of winning the title by taking one more step on the podium, as per their coach, Mohamed Magassouba.
“We want to push the Eagles to fly towards the coronation,” said Magassouba on Friday, indicating that his team has been on an upward slope for several years.
Mali guaranteed their place in the TotalEnergies AFCON, Cameron 2021 with two days to spare in the qualifiers, which confirms the progress of this team, said Magassouba who unveiled his list of 28 players.
“To get there, you need a sacred union,” added Mali coach, stressing that the goal is to hold out on everyone.
For this, he recalled all his power force; Amadou Haidara, Diadié Samassekou, Hamara Traoré, Moussa Djenepo, El Bilal Touré and striker Ibrahima Koné who scored five goals in the second round of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
The Malian coach also called midfielder Yves Bissouma who has not played a game for the Eagles for three years. “Like the others, he will come,” assured the Mali manager when asked about the international midfielder.
Mali will play in Group F with two Mauritania, Gambia and Tunisia.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Ismaël Diawara (Malmö, Sweden), Ibrahim Moukoro (TP Mazembé, DR Congo), Djigui Diarra (Young Africans, Tanzania)
Defenders: Hamari Traoré (Rennes, France), Moussa Sissako (Standard Liège, Belgium), Falaye Sacko (Guimaraes, Portugal), Mamadou Fofana (Amiens, France), Senou Coulibaly (Dijon, France), Kiki Kouyaté (FC Metz, France), Charles Traoré (FC Nantes, France), Massadio Haidara (RC Lens, France), Issiaka Samaké (Horoya AC, Guinea)
Midfielders: Amadou Haidara (RB Leipzing, Germany), Diadié Samassekou (Hoffenheim, Germany), Mohamed Camara (Red Bull Salzburg, Austria), Lassana Coulibaly (Salernitana, Italy), Aliou Dieng (Al Ahly, Egypt)
Forwards: Adama Noss Traoré (Hatyaspor, Turkey), Kouamé Nguessa (Troyes, France), Yves Bissouma (Brighton, England), Hamidou Traoré (Girespunsor, Turkey), Kalifa Coulibaly (FC Nantes, France), Moussa Djenepo (Southampton, England), Moussa Doumbia (Reims, France), Lassine Sinayoko (AJ Auxerre, France), El Bilal Touré (Reims, France), Adama Traoré (Sheriff Tiraspol, Moldavia), Ibrahima Koné (Sarsporg, Norway).
Source: CAF