Mali names 27-man squad to face Ghana in double World Cup qualifiers
The Coach of Mali Eric Sekou Chelle has a named a 27 man squad ahead of the two World Cup qualifiers against Ghana and Madagascar next month.
The squad consists of Amadou Haidara of RB Leipzig, Diadie Samessekou of Cadiz, Mohammed Camara of AS Monaco and Lassina Sinayoko of French Lig 1 returnees AJ Auxerre. These list make up the top names in squad ahead of the two games.
Conspicuously missing is Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma who missed due to injury alongside captain Hamari Traore who plies his trade with Real Sociedad while Aliou Dieng of Nady Al Ahly makes a return after his injury.
It will be recalled that Mali are paired in Group I alongside Ghana, Chad, Central Africa Republic, Madagascar and Comoros who are the group leaders after two round of games.
Mali won their first game against Chad 3:1 in Bamako and drew 1:1 with Central Africa in the second game at the same venue. After the two games the Eagles managed 4 points out of possible 6 as they set up a titanic clash with Black Stars of Ghana in Bamako on 6th June.
The Eagles have never been at the Mundial before as they came so close in the Qatar 2022 World Cup playoffs when they narrowly lost the spot to Tunisia.
With the expansion of 48 teams from 32 going into the next World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico, Mali will want to ensure it’s maiden appearance at the global stage.
It promises to be a tough encounter against Ghana as they met in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in South Africa and follow with Madagascar in the next game.
Here is the full squad.
Story by: Awal Mohammed Hudu
