The Malian Ligue 1 Pro is set to start its new season in October with a wave of foreign transfers energizing the market.
Stade Malien de Bamako, the reigning champions, are the main actors this transfer window, having signed several renowned foreign players to strengthen their squad ahead of national and continental challenges. Among them, the 22-year-old Cameroonian midfielder Ahmadou Bello stands out as a key figure at the heart of the Malian setup, with a contract until June 2027 and registered for the CAF Champions League.
The champion club also created a buzz with the signing of Taddeus Nkeng, a 25-year-old Cameroonian international forward trained at Brasseries du Cameroun who has played in Europe and South America. Recruited to boost Stade de Bamako’s attacking line, Nkeng has already made his mark by scoring a decisive goal in the 5-0 away victory over Tempête MOCAF in the CAF Cup. His offensive versatility and international experience are major assets for the Malian champion.
Djoliba AC, the runners-up to Stade Malien, also attracted foreign talent including Wilfried Kouassi, a promising 22-year-old Ivorian goalkeeper who played in France and Guadeloupe before joining the Reds of Heremakono. Thanks to his connection with coach Boudo Mory, Kouassi has had a promising start this season in African competitions, contributing to the club’s competitiveness in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Finally, other recruits such as Boubacar Hama Hainikoye, a Nigerien defender regarded as an international prospect, and the young Ghanaian forward Monkhallah Abdullah, coming from the United Arab Emirates, complete this overview of major transfers in the Malian Ligue 1 Pro. Both have signed contracts with Stade Malien, underlining the club’s ambition to maintain its dominance and shine on the continental stage with a reinforced and diversified squad.