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Mali's national football team roster, coach, world rankings, AFCON, nickname
Helix Odhiambo
updated at August 9, 2023 at 9:30 AM
Football has become a national obsession in Mali, with millions of people keen on following the latest development in the sport. As a result, the country has been blessed with several talented players who have represented the Mali national football team, nicknamed the Eagles. Let's have a look at Mali's national football team roster, their history and much more.
Source: UGC
The 2007 African Footballer of the Year Frederic Kanoute, former Barcelona star Seydou Keita, legendary striker Salif Keïta, and Mohamed Sissoko are Mali's best football players in history. Their commitment to the country helped steer the national team to newer heights.
Profile summary
- Full name: Mali national football team
- Nickname: The Eagles
- Founded: 1960
- Managed by: Fédération Malienne de Football
- Confederation: CAF
- FIFA entry: 1964
- Colours: Green, yellow, red
- Coach: Mohamed Magassouba
- Captain: Hamari Traoré
- FIFA ranking: 53 (as of December 2021)
Is Mali a good football team?
The Eagles have played several international matches, including the Africa Cup of Nations, friendlies, Afcon and World Cup qualifiers, but are yet to feature in the global showpiece. However, they have assembled good squads over the years, including the golden generation consisting of players starring in European leagues.
Mali's national football team in Afcon history
Source: Getty Images
The Eagles have played in 12 Afcon tournaments. The team made its debut in 1972 but left with bitter taste despite having a great run. Marseille's iconic striker, Salif Keita, led the country, past hosts Cameroon, Kenya and Togo to reach the final, before eventually losing 3-2 to Congo.
In 1994, the Eagles finished fourth after suffering a 3-1 defeat by Ivory Coast in the 3rd place match. Mali hosted the 2002 edition of the continental showdown. Former Real Madrid star Mahamadou Diarra and former Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita guided the team to the semi-final, where they lost to eventual winners, Cameroon.
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The West African country also had a good run in 2012 and 2013, finishing third on both occasions. However, their title thirst remains unquenched as they aim for the 2021 edition in Cameroon.
What happened to their football federation?
The Eagles suffered a massive setback in March 2017 after FIFA suspended the country from international competition. The decision came after Mali's sports minister dissolved the country's football association to appoint a provisional committee. Fortunately, the ban barely lasted a month before FIFA freed the nation to continue its international obligations.
Mali national football team players
Source: Getty Images
Who is the Mali national football team coach? Mohamed Magassouba is currently the team manager following his permanent appointment in October 2019. Magassouba has assembled a young, talented crop of players showing positive signs with a fresh breath of aggressive football.
Mali's national football team captain, Hamari Traoré, Yves Bissouma of Brighton, RB Leipzig's midfielder Amadou Haidara, and Adama Noss Traore are the key players expected to deliver the 2021 Afcon title for the Eagles.
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Here is a complete list of players in the Mali national team squad battling for the continental glory in Cameroon:
Goalkeepers
- Djigui Diarra
- Ibrahim Bozzo Mounkoro
- Adama Keita
- Mohamed Niaré
Defenders
- Hamari Traoré
- Falaye Sacko
- Massadio Haïdara
- Siaka Bagayoko
- Charles Traoré
- Mamadou Fofana
- Boubacar Kiki Kouyaté
- Senou Coulibaly
Midfielders
- Samba Camara
- Souleymane Diarra
- Diadié Samassekou
- Amadou Haidara
- Kouamé Nguessan Rominique
- Lassana Coulibaly
- Cheick Oumar Doucouré
- Adama Noss Traoré
- Mohamed Camara
- Aliou Dieng
- Moussa Kyabou
Forwards
- Moussa Djenepo
- Sekou Koita
- Moussa Doumbia
- Kalifa Coulibaly
- Adama Traoré
- Makan Konaté
- Moussa Maréga
- Yves Bissouma
- Kévin Zohi
- Ibrahima Kané
- El Bilal Touré
- Anasser Ag Acharatoune
Highest goalscorer
Source: Getty Images
Ex-Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute is the country's all-time leading scorer with 17 goals in 29 appearances.
Mali national football team world rankings
The Eagles are ranked 53rd in the world. However, they are among the top 10 teams in Africa, currently placed at position 9.
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All eyes are on the latest group of young stars in the Mali national football team, whether they will drive the Eagles to glory and better their predecessors.
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