Just in time, Mali has ‘nicked’ a player from France. OK, ‘nicked’ is a bit strong word, since their new player, Abdoulaye Doucoure who played for France at every level between under-17 and under-21 decided to play for Mali, when he realized he would never be invited to the French first team. Still, Les Aigles won’t be too picky, especially when a Premier League player decides to make his debut in a very tricky game against strong Tunisia on Friday, in the first leg of their World Cup play-off.He is no longer French: Doucoure switches to MaliEverton midfielder has Malian parents and recently decided to switch for Les Aigles, and he has the backing of a former rival, and also French-turned into Malian player, Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko. “I think he’s the top player now he’s joined the national team of Mali and I think it’s the best moment for him. He will bring all the experience, he will bring all his assurance, he will bring lots of good things for this team, this young team. For me, Abdoulaye Doucoure is one of the top players for Mali right now. I hope he is going to help all of them to reach the World Cup” Sissoko told BBC Sport Africa.20:00: (2.30) Mali (2.95) Tunisia (3.60)Sissoko was also born in France but opted to play for Mali, and eventually made 34 official appearances for Les Aigles, along with 2 goals. With the Mali national football team, he finished fourth in the AFCON (2004), and third in the 2013, so he knows that a loss from outsiders Equatorial Guinea on penalties in the last 16 was not a good result.”We know we didn’t do well there, we know we miss something. We don’t have enough experience, we lost against a smaller team, so I think all the players want to prepare for these two games to forget the disappointment of the Nations Cup. The situation in Mali is not easy, the economic situation in Mali is not easy. So I wish we can win these two games to go to the World Cup” said ‘Momo’. From refugee camp to first Serie A goal: Cisse’s fairytale storyBut now a much tougher task awaits Mali in order to reach World Cup in Qatar by the end of the year. Tunisia is a tough squad and home team advantage in the first game could be crucial. “We need to win, we need to play very well. We know all the supporters will come to the stadium. It is going to be amazing atmosphere. So I hope all the players are focused on this game at home and then preparing for the next game in Tunisia. It’s not going to be easy, Tunisia have a lot of talent and playing against an Arabic country is not easy. If we play well, if we prepare well for this game, we’re gonna win for sure” said Sissoko.
