Mali will challenge defending champions Nigeria on Sunday for their first outing in Group B Africa Womens Cup of Nations without the services of two of their key players.

Skillful forward and the best player of Malian Women Football Aisha Samake together with dependable midfielder Salimata Diarra have been ruled out of the todays opening match by cards collected during qualifying round matches.

Samake and Salimata suspension has left  Oumar Guindo coached side with very few options to replace the two depedable players

Speaking to press from Limbe this morning Mali coach Omar Guindo stated that he is considering options to replace the two.

“It is true that we will be handicapped by two absences,but we have 21 players representing Mali.If two of them are suspended we will try to find other solutions to replace them validly. We have good playes , so if someone is absent, someone else can replace him, we pray the good god for it to happen very well, “he said.

Salimata Diarra who plays for first division Malian side AS Mande is remembered for her wonderful  goal she scored aganist Equatorial Guinea in the last AWCON qualifying round match.

However the two Malians will be available when the Eagles will be taking on Harambee Starlets on Wednesday 23 October.