Mali Announce Strong Squad for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers Against Comoros and Central African Republic
Mali have decided to stick with the core of the squad that helped them qualify for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations last November. Coach Tom Saintfiet has named a 26-man squad for two important FIFA World Cup qualifying matches this month, as the Eagles aim to strengthen their position in Group I.
Mali will face Comoros on March 20 and then play against the Central African Republic on March 24. Both matches will take place in Morocco, with Comoros hosting Mali in Berkane, while the Central African Republic will play their home match in Casablanca.
Currently, Mali trail behind joint group leaders Comoros and Ghana by four points, but with six matches remaining, they still have every chance to turn things around.
Speaking at a press conference, Coach Saintfiet emphasized the importance of keeping continuity in the team, sticking with players who have already performed well together. However, he also introduced new talent to the squad, including 26-year-old striker Mustapha Sangare from Levski Sofia in Bulgaria, who has received his first-ever call-up to the national team.
Full Mali Squad for March World Cup Qualifiers:
Goalkeepers:
- Djigui Diarra (Young Africans, Tanzania)
- Ismael Diawara (Sirius, Sweden)
- Youssouf Koita (Djoliba, Mali)
Defenders:
- Amadou Dante (Arouca, Portugal)
- Abdoulaye Diaby (St Gallen, Switzerland)
- Salim Diakite (Palermo, Italy)
- Moussa Diarra (Deportivo Alaves, Spain)
- Fode Doucoure (Red Star, France)
- Issiar Drame (Estrela Amadora, Portugal)
- Mamadou Fofana (New England Revolution, USA)
- Cheick Oumar Konate (Clermont Foot, France)
- Sikou Niakate (Braga, Portugal)
Midfielders:
- Yves Bissouma (Tottenham Hotspur, England)
- Mohamed Camara (Al Sadd, Qatar)
- Lassana Coulibaly (Lecce, Italy)
- Aliou Dieng (Al Kholood, Saudi Arabia)
- Mamadou Sangare (Rapid Vienna, Austria)
- Ibrahima Sissoko (VfL Bochum, Germany)
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Forwards:
- Mamadou Camara (Laval, France)
- Nene Dorgeles (Salzburg, Austria)
- Kamory Doumbia (Stade Brest, France)
- Sekou Koita (CSKA Moscow, Russia)
- Ibrahima Kone (Al Okhdood, Saudi Arabia)
- Youssoufou Niakite (Bani Yas, United Arab Emirates)
- Mustapha Sangare (Levski Sofia, Bulgaria)
- El Bilal Toure (VfB Stuttgart, Germany)
Mali fans will be watching closely as their team takes on two crucial matches that could determine their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With a mix of experienced players and exciting new talent, the Eagles will look to close the gap on the group leaders and keep their World Cup dream alive.
