WCQ: Abdoulaye Doucoure Included In Mali’s Squad To Face Tunisia

Maintained even after an early exit in the round of the 16 in the AFCON 2021 against Equatorial Guinea, Mali coach, Mohamed Magassouba, unveiled on Saturday a list of 28 players selected to face Tunisia in the World Cup play-offs on March 25 in Bamako, and March 29 in Radès.

Courted for years, Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucouré (29) has finally said yes to the Eagles and is on this list, so is Eintracht Frankfurt and former French youth international Almamy Toure, 25, all honoring their first call ups.

After a a stint out of favour in national selection, Lens’ midfielder Cheick Doucoure makes his comeback, accompanied by erstwhile skipper Abdoulaye Diaby, whose last cap dates back to November 2019.

Seriously injured on Friday with Saint-Etienne, defensive midfeilder Falaye Sacko is missing from the call. Charles Traore, Adama “Noss” Traore and El Bilal Toure, are all in the sick bed, explaining their absence.

There’s No trace either of Lyon striker Moussa Dembele, who obviously is still thinking of the French national team.

Regulars: Hamari Traore, Amadou Haïdara, Diadie Samassekou, Yves Bissouma, Mohamed Camara, Adama Traoré “Malouda” and Ibrahima Koné, are all present.