The Eagles of Mali have emerged as a formidable force ahead of the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), showcasing promising performances and establishing a consistent presence on the continental stage.
Despite a delayed start to regular participation, Mali has progressively displayed glimpses of quality performances, leaving fans eager to witness their journey unfold in the highly anticipated tournament.
Mali’s national football team made its AFCON debut in 1972, creating waves of astonishment as they remarkably reached the final in their inaugural appearance. However, the Eagles faced a heartbreaking defeat, losing 3-2 to Congo. This historic run remains Mali’s best result in the tournament, setting the stage for future endeavours.
After a hiatus, Mali reignited its AFCON aspirations in 1994, advancing to the semi-finals and securing a commendable fourth-place finish. The nation’s football prowess took centre stage again in 2002 when they solidified their position as regular participants in the AFCON, qualifying for nearly every edition since, except for 2006.
As the Eagles prepare to spread their wings at the 2023 AFCON, fans are buzzing with anticipation, hopeful that the team’s rich talent and recent impressive performances will propel them to new heights.
2023 AFCON Matches:
- 16 January 2024: Mali vs. South Africa
- 20 January 2024: Tunisia vs. Mali
- 24 January 2024: Namibia vs. Mali
Key Players to Watch:
- Yves Bissouma: Tottenham Hotspur’s defensive midfielder, Yves Bissouma, stands as a linchpin for the Eagles. With a wealth of experience gained from playing at the highest level, Bissouma is set to bring his expertise to the team. This will be his third major competition for Mali, having previously featured in the 2017 and 2021 editions of the AFCON. With seven appearances and a goal already under his belt in the tournament, Bissouma aims to elevate his game and contribute significantly as Mali seeks to progress further.
- Hamari Traoré: Renowned for his contributions in La Liga with Real Sociedad, right-back Hamari Traoré adds a layer of experience and defensive solidity to the Eagles. The 31-year-old has made 19 appearances in La Liga, providing two crucial assists and helping his club climb to a commendable sixth position on the table with 32 points in the ongoing competition. Traoré will be making his fourth AFCON appearance after featuring in the 2017, 2019, and 2021 editions, amassing 10 appearances in total.
- Kamory Doumbia: The 20-year-old attacking midfielder, Kamory Doumbia, is set to be a key figure for Mali, showcasing his playmaking and goal-scoring prowess. With five goals and two assists in 12 Ligue 1 appearances for Strasbourg, Doumbia has been making waves at the club level. His impact on the Eagles is evident, having scored five goals in nine appearances. Despite his youth, Doumbia is expected to be a dependable force as Mali aims for positive results in the tournament.
Coach Éric Chelle: At the helm of the Eagles is 46-year-old coach Éric Chelle, a former Mali international defender. Building his coaching career from the grassroots, Chelle transitioned from being an assistant manager in the French Amateur football club Athlético Marseille to taking charge of the national team. Chelle assumed the coaching role after Mali’s AFCON exit and failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, immediately making a mark by winning five out of six AFCON 2023 qualifiers to top group G. Despite this being his first tournament as a head coach, Chelle is poised to guide Mali to success in AFCON 2023.
Team Statistics:
- Appearances So Far: 12
- Best Result: Runners-up in 1972
- Worst Result: Group stage in 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2017.
- Most Capped Player: Seydou Keita with 102 appearances
- Captain: Hamari Traoré
- Top Scorer: Seydou Keita with 25 goals in 102 appearances
The AFCON tournament will start on January 13, 2024 and conclude on February 11.