To launch their second qualifying round towards the U23 AFCON 2027 and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, Mali U23, coached by Fousseni Diawara, saw Hamidou Makalou make an early impression in Harare, before Aboubacar Sidibe opened the scoring in the 8th minute.
Mali U23 have laid down their first markers in Harare. Against Zimbabwe U23 at the National Sport Stadium, the Eagles began their second round of qualifying for the U23 AFCON 2027, which also serves as a qualifier for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, with an opening spell in which Hamidou Makalou was the first to stand out.
In the 6th minute, Makalou’s shot was pushed away by Zimbabwean goalkeeper Tatenda Chikowero, according to Herald Online. Two minutes later, Aboubacar Sidibe, coming in from the left flank, opened the scoring for Mali.
Makalou kicks things off
Makalou was the first player to make an impression. In the 6th minute, his effort forced Chikowero into action to keep his goal intact, according to Herald Online. However, the sources consulted do not credit him with a goal.
In the 8th minute, Aboubacar Sidibe scored Mali’s first goal after getting past his man on the left. At the time this information was gathered, no final score or other goals are documented.
A full squad with ambition
Before this double-header, head coach Fousseni Diawara expressed confidence inspired by the squad at his disposal. “We have two matches to play and the goal is to seek qualification for the 3rd and final round. The players are ready and super motivated to defend the national flag,” he told L’Essor.
The coach was also reassured by the availability of his players: “My squad is complete, all the called-up players are here, thank God no injuries in the group and what the young lads have done in training reassures me.” Mali U23 were also coming off a 1-1 friendly draw against Morocco, a warm-up result that preceded this trip.
Bamako in sight
The context of this second round highlights the stakes of the tie. Mali were exempt from the first round, while Zimbabwe qualified by beating Mauritius 6-1 on aggregate over the two matches, reports Herald Online.
The return leg is scheduled for Tuesday 17 November at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, according to L’Essor. The winner of this double-header will face the final qualifying round in March 2027, with a place at the U23 AFCON in Egypt at stake.