Mali v Cape Verde: Da Silva has in-form options for CAN 2027 opener

Mali begin their qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations against Cape Verde on Friday, 25 September, in Anthony Da Silva’s first match as head coach.

The Eagles will welcome the Blue Sharks with several players enjoying strong starts to the season, while Cape Verde have retained most of the experienced players who form the backbone of their squad.

Mali

Da Silva can call on Mamadou Sangare, who has made an impression during his early Premier League appearances for Brentford. Lassine Sinayoko is also in good form, having scored three goals in Ligue 1 for Paris FC.

Mali will, however, be without Yves Bissouma, El Bilal Toure and Moussa Sylla for the opening qualification fixture.

The hosts are expected to line up with Djigui Diarra in goal, behind a defence of Hamari Traore, Ousmane Camara, Souleymane Sagnan and Nathan Gassama.

Aliou Dieng, Mahamadou Doumbia and Sangare are likely to form the midfield, with Nene Dorgeles, Sinayoko and Gaoussou Diarra leading the attack.

Mali’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: Djigui Diarra

Defenders: Hamari Traore, Ousmane Camara, Souleymane Sagnan, Nathan Gassama

Midfielders: Aliou Dieng, Mahamadou Doumbia, Mamadou Sangare

Forwards: Nene Dorgeles, Lassine Sinayoko, Gaoussou Diarra

Cape Verde

Cape Verde begin the campaign after a change in the technical staff, with Humberto Bettencourt taking charge. Despite that change, the side retain the majority of their established core.

Goalkeeper Vozinha remains an important figure, while Roberto Lopes is expected to anchor the defence and Ryan Mendes offers experience in attack. Steven Moreira and Helio Varela will miss the match through injury.

Vozinha is likely to start behind Wagner Pina, Roberto Lopes, Diney Borges and Sidny Cabral.

Laros Duarte, Kevin Pina and Deroy Duarte are set to operate in midfield, with Mendes, Dailon Livramento and Jovane Cabral forming the probable front three.

Cape Verde’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: Vozinha

Defenders: Wagner Pina, Roberto Lopes, Diney Borges, Sidny Cabral

Midfielders: Laros Duarte, Kevin Pina, Deroy Duarte

Forwards: Ryan Mendes, Dailon Livramento, Jovane Cabral

The match is the first round of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and will give both teams an early opportunity to establish themselves in the group.