Two goals in two caps for the Eagles of Mali, 52 matches for Stade de Reims at just 19 years old: Ange Martial Tia is impressing, even former Mali international Djibril Sidibé, who was hugely impressed by him.
An attacking midfielder and left winger at Stade de Reims, Ange Martial Tia, 19, has gone from the Ligue 2 pitches to his first caps with the Eagles, as reported by Mali Actu.
His first two appearances for the senior national team, in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, produced as many goals. Former Mali international Djibril Sidibé was, for his part, hugely impressed. In the same file, Swansea City striker Moussa Yeo has chosen to represent Mali, according to Benin Web TV.
Two goals in two caps
The Reims player’s start in the Eagles shirt did not take long. Tia scored in each of his first two senior caps, in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, Mali Actu reports.
At club level, he has 52 matches in all competitions, with 7 goals and 3 assists for Reims. Transfermarkt values him at 10 million euros, and his contract ties him to the club until June 2030. At Reims, he also rubs shoulders with his compatriots Daouda Guindo and Seydou Dembélé, according to Mali Actu.
Djibril Sidibé’s endorsement
Djibril Sidibé, a former Mali international, makes no secret of his enthusiasm: “He impressed me a lot in the first two matches (…) We were all surprised by his start, but in the end he won everyone over,” he said, quoted by Mali Actu.
Those first two caps, which earned the player two goals, therefore left a strong impression on a former Mali international.
Moussa Yeo, between Mali and Ivory Coast
The Mali file does not stop at Reims. According to Benin Web TV, Moussa Yeo, a 22-year-old Swansea City striker, has chosen to represent Mali, although he was also eligible for Ivory Coast.
A Sport News Africa article dated 28 October 2025 nevertheless indicated that he had favoured the Ivory Coast national team despite Mali’s efforts, again according to Benin Web TV. Trained at Guidars in Mali, Yeo joined Salzburg in August 2022 before a spell at Liefering. He had already worn Mali’s colours at youth level.
Mali’s squad is due to be announced on 2 November 2026, ahead of the double header against Rwanda on 13 and 17 November.