Mali is setting its sights on winning its first-ever Olympic medal following the qualification of the country’s under-23 football team for the 2024 Games in Paris.
In a thrilling fashion, the Eagles defeated Guinea in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw in the third-place play-off of the Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) held in Tangier.
This marks Mali’s second appearance in the Olympic men’s football tournament, with their previous participation dating back to Athens 2004.
At that time, they were the sole African team to advance to the knockout stage, reaching the quarter-finals where they narrowly lost 1-0 to Italy after extra time.
The squad, which included notable players such as Mohamed Sissoko, who went on to play for Liverpool, Juventus, and Paris St-Germain, gained recognition for their commendable performance.
The newly appointed sports minister of Mali expressed confidence in the current generation of young players, believing that they have the potential to achieve even greater success in Paris.
The minister pledged to collaborate closely with the Malian Football Federation, providing all necessary resources and support to enhance the team’s chances of securing a medal. The qualification of the under-23 team was hailed as a historic achievement and a source of pride for the entire nation, according to a statement by Abdoul Kassim Ibrahim Fomba, the sports minister.
“[I invite] the entire population to join the squad in a spirit of union and solidarity for the purpose of our country reaching the sporting pinnacle and winning its very first Olympic medal,” he added on behalf of the country’s government.
“This victory is tangible proof that the longed-for vision of a new Mali is on the way to a triumphant reality.”
Goalkeeper Lassine Diarra, of French side LB Chateauroux, saved a spot-kick before Mohamadou Lamine Ba, a midfielder for Tunisian team Olympique Beja, converted decisively.
Mali had lost by the same scoreline on penalties to eventual tournament winners Morocco in the semi-finals, and Fomba described their win against Guinea as “worth a gold medal”.
“The minister of sport was there at 2am to welcome the team, which proves how important this victory is for Malian football,” says Malian sports journalist Baba Cissouma.
“Mali is proud of these youths who will get the best preparation to represent Mali and Africa in Paris. Many of the players in this team carry the high hopes of Malian football.”
The Confederation of African Football has recognized several players in the team of the tournament from the recently concluded U23 Africa Cup of Nations. Among the notable players are Fode Doucoure, who plays as a right-back for Red Star, Ibrahima Cisse, a centre-back from Schalke, and Mamadou Sangare, a midfielder from Red Bull Salzburg.
Cheickna Doumbia, a forward from Shabab Al Ahli Club, also stood out with his performances, scoring in Mali’s group stage victories against Gabon and Niger, alongside Sangare.
In midfield, the talents of Coli Saco from Napoli, Brahima Diarra from Huddersfield Town, and Mamady Diambou from Salzburg were showcased as Mali advanced from the group stage for the first time in their third consecutive appearance at the tournament.
Two out of the four African teams participating in the 2020 Olympic Games made it to the quarter-finals. Ivory Coast, who lost to Spain in extra time, and Egypt, who were eliminated by Brazil with a 1-0 scoreline, both put up commendable performances.
Guinea will have the opportunity to join Mali, tournament winners and hosts Morocco, as well as Egypt, in Paris if they emerge victorious in a play-off match against an Asian country.