Mali have named a 24-player squad for their two CAN 2027 qualifying matches against Rwanda, with Swansea City forward Moussa Yeo and West Ham midfielder Mohamadou Kante included for the first time.
The pair are the main new faces in Anthony Da Silva’s selection and are set to make their debuts for the Aigles du Mali.
Da Silva has retained several experienced players, including Hamari Traore, Amadou Haidara, Aliou Dieng, Kamory Doumbia and Lassine Sinayoko.
Gaoussou Diakite and Fode Doucoure return to the squad after their previous call-ups during the international break in June.
There is no place, however, for Yves Bissouma. The midfielder has returned to competitive action with Ajax Amsterdam but was not selected for this gathering.
Mali and Rwanda are level at the top of Group K on six points after winning both of their opening matches. Mali beat Cape Verde 3-1 and Liberia 1-0, while the two sides now meet twice in a contest that could prove significant in the qualification race.
The first match will take place at the Stade du 26-Mars in Bamako on 13 November. The Aigles will then travel to Kigali for the return fixture at Stade Amahoro four days later.
Da Silva’s side will aim to gain the advantage over their direct rivals and strengthen their prospects of reaching CAN 2027, which will be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Mali squad
Goalkeepers
– Mamadou Samassa (Stade lavallois)
– Djigui Diarra (Young Africans)
– Emile Doucoure (KRC Genk)
Defenders
– Ousmane Camara (Angers SCO)
– Modibo Sagnan (Rizespor)
– Daouda Guindo (Stade de Reims)
– Amadou Dante (Zbrojovka)
– Hamari Traore (Paris FC)
– Nathan Gassama (Baltika Kaliningrad)
– Cheick Keita (Royal Charleroi FC)
– Fode Doucoure (FC Nantes)
Midfielders
– Aliou Dieng (Valence CF)
– Amadou Haidara (RC Lens)
– Mohamadou Kante (West Ham)
– Kamory Doumbia (Stade Brestois 29)
– Mamadou Sangare (Brentford FC)
– Ousmane Diakite (West Bromwich Albion)
Forwards
– Lassine Sinayoko (Paris FC)
– Moussa Yeo (Swansea)
– Gaoussou Diakite (Salzbourg)
– Mamadou Doumbia (Watford)
– Dorgeles Nene (Fenerbahce SK)
– Gaoussou Diarra (Feyenoord Rotterdam)
– Mamadou Camara (Montpellier HSC)
