The self-proclaimed ‘best Premier League midfielder’ Yves Bissouma headlines the 29-man Mali squad that is set to take on Harambee Stars in a back to back 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.Southampton midfielder Moussa Djenepo has also been named in the star-studded squad that only has one local-based player, Mohamed Niaré who is in the books of Stade Malien.Mali 🇲🇱 national team trainer Mohamed Magassouba has released his squad for the upcoming @FIFAWorldCup qualifiers against Kenya 🇰🇪 this month in a doubleheader. Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Yves Bissouma returns to the squad.#WCQ2022 pic.twitter.com/Xs7kBPpYin— NUHU ®️ (@NuhuAdams_) October 1, 2021 A huge chunk of their squad (12) ply their trade in France with only four players playing club football in Africa in the name of Al Ahly midfielder Aliou Dieng, Djigui Diarra from Young Africans (Yanga), Niaré and TP Mazembe’s Boss Mounkoro.Adama Traoré who has been in sensational form for UEFA Champions League surprise package Sheriff Tiraspol earned a call up after scoring against Shakhtar Donetsk in Matchday One.##NAJAVA_MECA_5864593##Ivory Coast-born Mali international Bissouma who has not donned the Eagles jersey since October 2018, a three-year absence has returned to the National Team set up after renewing his Malian passport.La liste des aigles du Mali dévoilée par le sélectionneur national Mohamed Magassouba avec le retour d’Yves Bissouma et Kalifa Coulibaly et la première convocation de Moussa Sissako avec les aigles seniors @NuhuAdams_ @bonfaceosano @afrikfoot @AiglesDuMali1 pic.twitter.com/n7BG09LYH9— Drissa Niono (@drissaniono) October 1, 2021 Recently Bissouma who has been a revelation at Brighton with performances that tempted Arsenal to price him from the South Coast claimed that he was the best midfielder in the Premier League, comments which sparked a wild debate. “I don’t want to be arrogant, but it’s me because in my head I am working to be the best. So I cannot say another name, I know in the Premier League there are so many good midfielders, but in my opinion I am the best. The self confidence in myself gives me the confidence and the energy to work hard to show people I am here – this is Bissouma,” said the midfielder.Full Squad: Goalkeepers: Djigui Diarra (Young Africans), Bosso Mounkoro (TP Mazembe), Mohamed Niare (Stade Malien), Ismael Diarra (Malmo)Defenders: Massadio Haidara ( Lens), Aboubacar Kouyate (Metz), Falaye Sacko (Guimaraes), Hamari Traore, (Rennes), Moussa Sissako (Standard Liege), Senou Coulibaly (Dijon), Boubakar “Kiki” Kouyaté Metz, Mamadou Fofana (Amiens)Midfielders: Diadie Samassekou (Hoffenheim), Cheick Oumar Doucoure (RC Lens), Amadou Haidara (RB Leipzig), Lassana Coulibaly (Salernitana), Mohamed Camara (Red Bull Salzburg), Adama Traore (Hatayspor) Aliou Dieng (Al Ahly) Kouame Nguessan (Troyes), Yves Bissouma (Brighton)Forwards: Moussa Djenepo (Southampton, Moussa Doumbia (Reims) Adama Traoré (Sheriff Tiraspol), Kevin Zohi (Vizela), Ibrahima Koné (Sarspborg, El Bilal Toure (Reims), Kalifa Coulibaly (FC Nantes), Mahamadou Doucoure (Nimes).
