TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2024: Mali Team Profile
How the team qualified
Mali qualified for the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations by demonstrating clear dominance throughout the qualifiers. In the first round, the Eagle Ladies faced the Central African Republic. The first leg, played in Douala on 22 September 2023, ended in an attacking showcase with a 7-1 victory, notably featuring a hat-trick from Agueissa Diarra and goals from Fatou Dembélé, Aïssata Traoré, Bintou Koité, and Aminata Doumbia.
In the return leg in Bamako, the Malians comfortably wrapped up qualification with a 3-1 win, taking the aggregate score to 10-2.
In the second round, they faced Guinea and once again impressed. On 29 November in Bamako, they secured a 7-2 win, and completed qualification in Conakry on December 5 with a 3-0 victory. Across both rounds, Mali scored 20 goals and conceded only 3, earning one of the most convincing records in the qualifiers.
TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON history
This is Mali's 8th appearance. Their best result to date is a 4th place finish in 2018 in Ghana, after a 4-2 loss to Cameroon in the third-place match.
Players to Watch
Agueissa Diarra: The current star of the Malian team. Developed at FC Super Lionnes in Bamako, this talented forward joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2023—a prestigious club where she plays alongside international stars.
Her rapid development at club level has provided her with valuable experience at the top level of European football, which she now brings to her national team. Fast, powerful, and with a keen eye for goal, Diarra stood out during the 2024 qualifiers with a hat-trick against the Central African Republic. She is Mali's top offensive weapon, capable of changing a match with individual brilliance.
Aïssata Traoré: The embodiment of elegance in midfield. Currently playing for FC Fleury 91 in France's top division, she's known for her passing quality, vision, and ability to control the tempo.
At 28, she brings solid experience on the continental stage, having featured in several AFCON campaigns, notably the 2018 tournament where she was one of the key players in Mali's fourth-place finish. Gifted with an excellent left foot, she excels in quick transitions and through balls.
Her tactical awareness and technical precision make her a cornerstone of Mali's midfield. A quiet leader, she will be key in guiding younger players in a squad that blends experience with youthful energy.
Mohamed Saloum 'Housseï' was appointed head coach of the Malian women's national team in 2021. Since taking charge, he has focused on rebuilding the squad with a mix of local talent and players based abroad to enhance the team's competitiveness on the continental stage.
His tactical approach emphasizes a balance between defensive discipline and attacking expression, with a special focus on tactical structure. Housseï favors a compact unit capable of moving together as a block, while relying on creative midfielders and fast, incisive forwards like Agueissa Diarra. He also values the versatility and game intelligence of his players, enabling the team to switch between short-possession play and rapid transitions.
Ambitions and Group Analysis
Mali will compete in Group C of the competition—a challenging group that includes reigning champions South Africa, continental regulars Ghana, and an improving Tanzania. South Africa will most likely be their toughest opponents.
Ghana is a familiar rival for Mali, with numerous past encounters in high-stakes matches.
Tanzania, often underestimated, has shown clear progress in recent years thanks to better youth development structures and promising results in the CECAFA region.
Aware of the challenges ahead, head coach Mohamed Saloum 'Housseï' approaches this final phase with ambition. With a squad that blends local youth and Europe-based experience, Mali is aiming for at least a quarter-final berth, while also hoping to reach a new milestone in its continental journey.
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