On Monday, Mali Olympic coach Alou Badra Diallo “Conty” named 22 players, including four reserves, for the 2024 Olympic Games. Only two senior internationals answered the call, despite efforts made.
Boubacar Traoré, with just one cap for the Eagles in 2022 against Algeria, and Demba Diallo, also capped once in 2021 against Guinea, are the two senior team players who will bring their experience to Alou Badra Diallo’s squad.
While this might seem minimal at this level, the coach explained in a press conference. He revealed having faced multiple refusals from clubs, out of 12 senior internationals approached, from Lassine Sinayoko to Kamory Doumbia, including Yves Bissouma and Nene Dorgeles.
“I approached 12 senior team players (…) and towards the end, we received categorical refusals from clubs. For example, Sinayoko really wanted to come. (…) The others – truth be told, at a certain point, I didn’t approach them anymore, but Yves Bissouma was ready to come, his manager refused.
On oublie pas ces deux là qui ont grandement contribué à la qualification pour la CAN U23 en éliminant le Sénégal ! 🇲🇱
— Les Aigles Du Mali 🇲🇱🦅 (@AiglesDuMali_) July 8, 2024
Ils sont quelque part responsables de la participation aux JO 🌍 pic.twitter.com/Kz7AzFVbcj
There was also Nene Dorgeles who was willing. (…) Kamory (Doumbia) is injured (…) I prioritized those who were of age. These players told me there was no problem. If it wasn’t for their clubs, they would be here today,” said the 54-year-old coach.
Mali Olympic will begin their campaign against Israel on July 24 at Parc des Princes. They will then face Japan in Bordeaux on July 27, followed by their final group stage match against Paraguay three days later.
Leave a Reply