Yesterday, Tuesday March 26, the Eagles of Mali faced the Supers Eagles of Nigeria, runners-up in the African Cup of Nations, on the second day of the international break. Mali won by 2 goals to 0. The goals were scored by Atlanta striker El Bilal Touré and Brest midfielder Kamory Doumbia. Following their victory over Mauritania, Eric Sékou Chelle’s men have now won their first test after the Africa Cup of Nations.
It could have been a match for the CAN 2024 final had Mali’s dream not been shattered by their “bête noire”, Côte d’Ivoire. More than a month after the African Cup of Nations, the Eagles’ duel (Mali-Nigeria) was the main attraction on Tuesday March 26 at the Grand Stade de Marrakech in Morocco. The Eagles of Mali, with a team reshuffled from the CAN, won 2-0 against their Nigerian counterparts, who were deprived of their star striker Victor Oshimen.
Mali opened the scoring in the 18th minute. Under pressure, the Nigerian defence cleared the ball into their own half, where El Bilal Touré had only to pop up to take advantage of the offer and open the scoring. The Eagles managed this advantage until the end of the first half. After the break, the Super Eagles changed their system, putting pressure on the Malian defense, but Eric Sékou Chelle’s defense, led by captain Hamari Traoré and new man Modibo Sagna with Daouda Guindo on the left flank, didn’t panic. On 87th minute, Mali doubled their lead through young midfielder Kamory Doumbia’s individual play.
With new signings Modibo Sagnan and Daouda Guindo and the return of former goalkeeper Mamadou Samassa and El Bilal Touré, the Eagles went into the match following their coach’s tactical instructions. The Eagles of Mali won both international friendlies, scoring four goals without conceding. Striker El Bilal Touré, back from injury, scored in both matches. This positive result gives a boost to Eric Sékou’s team, which is in the process of rebuilding after the failure of the CAN in Côte d’Ivoire. Malian fans were introduced to a new system of play by captain Hamari Traoré and his team-mates against the Super Eagles of Nigeria, runners-up in the African Cup of Nations.
Adama Tembely/ ©️ Malikonews.com
