Head coach Anthony Da Silva has unveiled a 24-man squad for Mali’s double header against Rwanda. It includes two newcomers, Moussa Yéo (Swansea City) and Mohamadou Kanté (West Ham), and leaves out Yves Bissouma.
Mali unveiled its 24-man squad on Monday 2 November for two meetings with Rwanda, on 13 and 17 November, in the CAN 2027 qualifiers. According to the Agence de presse africaine (APA), head coach Anthony Da Silva has selected three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders and seven forwards.
Two newcomers feature in the call-ups: forward Moussa Yéo, who plays for Swansea City, and midfielder Mohamadou Kanté, who plays for West Ham. Born in France, the latter is eligible for several national teams, APA notes. Yves Bissouma, however, who signed for Ajax Amsterdam in late September, is not on the list.
Haïdara, a senior figure in the squad
Amadou Haïdara is among the senior players retained by Anthony Da Silva. The 28-year-old RC Lens midfielder, with 52 caps, wore the captain’s armband in the match against Morocco in October, Lensois.com recalls.
Besides Haïdara, the head coach can call on several experienced players, including Hamari Traoré, Aliou Dieng, Kamory Doumbia and Lassine Sinayoko, all cited by APA. Gaoussou Diakité (RB Salzburg), Mamadou Camara (Montpellier) and Fodé Doucouré (FC Nantes) are recalled.
Withdrawals and Bissouma’s absence
Da Silva will have to do without Ange Martial Tia (Stade de Reims), ruled out with an ankle injury, and without Adama Camara, also unavailable according to APA.
No explanation is given for Yves Bissouma’s absence: the midfielder is not among the 24 selected, APA reports, without giving a reason for his omission.
A very tight Group K
After two matchdays, Mali and Rwanda each have six points, with Rwanda top of Group K on goal difference, according to APA.
The Eagles will host Rwanda at home on Friday 13 November, before returning to Rwanda on Tuesday 17 November.