Mali – can the Eagles spread their wings?

If you scroll through Mali’s squad for the African Cup of Nations no prizes will be given for guessing on which individual’s shoulders success will hinge. Despite a large contingent of European based players, only a handful can lay claim to being genuine household names. The Eagles are often criticised for their failure to balance their less-established players with star names. Once again, this factor could prove decisive in deciding whether Mali triumph or falter. However, without their star attractions the Eagles title bid would be laughed out the door, so its here where we’ll place our focus on the quality of Mali’s bid.

1. Mohamed Sissoko

The tall and robust central midfielder was once hailed as the new Patrick Viera and is a regular fixture in the Juventus starting line-up. After clocking up La Liga and Uefa Cup winners medals with Valencia, Sissoko had a stop-start career with Liverpool, and then moved to “the Bianconeri” in January 2008 for €11million. With only 14 caps for the Eagles, this tournament offers a chance for Sissoko to stamp his authority all over the national side. A tough-tackling, mobile and solid holding midfielder, Group A is ideally suited for this type of player. Mali can expect to be pressurised for long spells by both Angola and Algeria, which makes Sissoko’s role crucial. How he influences the team in terms of protecting the back four and turning defence into attack will be pivotal to the Malians cause.

2. Seydou Keita

Although Mali can boast an array of talent in the centre of the park, one concern is the physical similarities and playing styles of Sissoko, Mahamadou Diarra (captain) and Keita. However, with Keita’s recent flurry of goals, expect the Barcelona man to be told to bomb forward whenever the chance arises. At 29-years-old and a regular member of Barcelona’s most successful ever season, Keita is in the peak of his career. If Mali can strike a balance and enforce a fluid system, his dominant figure and late runs could well push the Eagles into the latter stages of the competition.

3. Frederic Kanoute

Adored by fans of both West Ham and Sevilla, the Malian talisman will need to be on top form in Angola. With chances sure to be at a premium in the opening two fixtures, Kanoute’s finishing could well decide Mali’s fate. Awareness, speed of thinking and ability to bring others into the play, the striker is the man opposing defenders will have most on their minds. Kanoute is 32-years-old now and with a World Cup experience surely beyond him will see this as a last chance of international silverware.

Summary

Looking at world class acts like Keita and Kanoute, backed up by the protection of Sissoko and Real Madrid’s, Diarra, should suggest Mali could be a match for anyone. However, defence is where it may fall apart. Watch out for outrageous goalkeeping from Mohamadou Sidibe and their back four lacks experience.

Malian African Cup of Nations squad.

S. Diakite (Stade Bamako); M. Sidibe (Athlitikos Omonoioia); O. Sissoko (Metz); O. Berthe (Jomo Cosmos); S. Diamoutene (Bari); A. Maiga (Stade Bamako); B. Soumare (Boulogne); S. Sow (Lens); A. Tamboura (Helsingborgs); M. Diarra (Real Madrid); L. Fane (Al-Merreikh); S. Keita (Barcelona); M. Sissoko (Juventus); A. Traore (Bordeaux); B. Traore (Nancy); M. Bagayoko (Nice); M. Diallo (Le Harve); F. Kanoute (Sevilla); M. Maiga (Le Mans); T. N’Diaye (Nantes); M. Samassa (Valenciennes); M. Traore (Nice); M. Yatabare (Clemont Foot).