Mali poised for AFCON 2025 qualification despite key player absences

Mali’s national football team, the Eagles, stands on the brink of securing its spot for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with eight points from four matches. As they prepare to face Mozambique in Maputo on Friday, head coach Tom Saintfiet is navigating last-minute adjustments to his squad due to injuries affecting three key players.

The clash, set to kick off at 16:00 GMT at the National Stadium in Maputo, holds significant stakes for Mali. A win would guarantee their qualification, while Mozambique, also vying for a top spot, will be equally determined on home turf.

However, Saintfiet has had to recalibrate his lineup following injuries to forwards Lassine Sinayoko and Moussa Djenepo, as well as defender Moussa Diarra.

To compensate for these absences, Saintfiet called up two defenders, Amadou Danté and Ibrahima Cissé, aiming to bolster the team’s defense and adapt the squad’s strategy.

The substitutions reflect a focus on maintaining a resilient backline while maximizing opportunities to advance.

With Mali’s strong position in their group and the determination to cement their place in the upcoming continental tournament, Friday’s game will test both the depth of Saintfiet’s roster and the resilience of the Eagles as they push for qualification.