Mali head coach Eric Sekou Chelle has named his final 27-man squad for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Ivory Coast.

Yves Bissouma of Tottenham Hotspurs headlines the list with the likes of captain Hamari Traore of Real Sociedad, Lassine Sinayoko of AJ Auxerre, Ibrahim Sissoko of Saint-Etienne and Boubacar Traore of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Other notable inclusions in the squad are Diadie Samassekou (Hoffenheim), Mohamed Camara (Monaco), Sekou Koita and Nene Dorgeles both from RB Salzburg.

Les Aigles have been drawn in Group E alongside Tunisia, South Africa and Namibia.

The team is expected to play Guinea-Bissau in a friendly on 6 January before heading out to Ivory Coast.

Mali have never lifted the prestigious AFCON trophy and will be hoping to go the extra mile in Ivory Coast. The Eagles best finish came in their first appearance in 1972 where they were the runners up to Congo.

Mali Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Djigui Diarra (Young Africans), Aboubacar Doumbia (AFE), Ismael Diawara (MALMO)

Defenders: Hamari Traore (Real Sociedad), Falaye Sacko (Montpellier), Boubacar Kouyate (Montpellier), Mamadou Fofana (Aimens), Sikou Niakate (Braga), Moussa Diarra (Toulouse), Amadou Dante (Strum Graz).

Midfielders: Diadie Samassekou (Hoffenheim), Mohamed Camara (Monaco), Doudou Haidara (Leipzig), Aliou Dieng (Al Ahly), Lassana Coulibaly (Saleranitana), Kamory Doumbia (Brest), Adama Noss Traore (Hull City), Yves Bissouma (Tottenham), Boubacar Traore (Wolverhampton).

Strikers: Sekou Koita (RB Salzburg), Nene Dorgeles (RB Salzburg), Moussa Doumbia (Al Adala), Fousseni Diabate (Laussane Sport), Ibrahim Sissoko (Saint Etienne), Lassine Sinayoko (AJ Auxerre), Youssouf Niakate (Bani Yas), Serine Doucoure (Lorient)

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

Football Journalist | TotalEnergies AFCON 2021 Photographer | Media Officer - Kabwe Warriors FC | Graphic Designer | Videographer