Moussa Djenepo misses out on Chelle’s 27-man Mali squad

Coach Eric Chelle of Mali Ousted unveiled on Tuesday the list of 27 Eagles who will participate in AFCON 2023 (January 13-February 11, 2024).

Eleven days before the start of AFCON 2023, Eric Chelle communicated the names of the players with whom he will travel to Cote D’Ivoire.

There’s an Immediate note on the presence of two new faces: Boubacar Traoré and Sirine Doucouré. Troare, a Wolverhampton midfielder and part of the U23 selection, is called up for the first time with the team.

Doucouré has managed to do well this season despite his role as a substitute in Lorient and has 1 goal and 3 assists in 11 appearances in the Ligue 1.

The team headliners Yves Bissouma (Tottenham), Diadie Samassekou (Hoffenheim), Mohamed Camara (Monaco) are all part of the list.

However, several elements are conspicuously absent. The likes of injured Ibrahima Koné (Almeria), Cheick Doucouré (Crystal Palace), Adama Traoré “Malouda” (Ferencváros) and Massadio Haidara (Lens), who was injured in training.

No recovery in time for El-Bilal Touré, injured just after his arrival at Atalanta Bergamo for 31 million euros.

Mali will also be without winger Moussa Djenepo and goalkeeper Mamadou Samassa.

The Eagles will play a final friendly match on Saturday against Guinea-Bissau then head to Cote D’Ivoire where they will begin their journey against South Africa on January 16 in Group E.

Mali will face Tunisia four days later and will close the group stage against Namibia on January 24.