The Eagles of Mali showed they mean business leading up to Tuesday’s friendly against the Super Eagles after they shot down Mauritania 2-0.
Debutant and Montpellier defender Modibo Sagnan netted the opening goal after just nine minutes, before El Bilal Toure from Serie A club Atalanta added the second goal three minutes later to seal a deserved victory.
The Eagles of Bamako did not call up one of their top stars, midfielder Yves Bisouma from Premier League club Spurs.
Mali, who qualified for the men’s football event of the Paris 2024 Olympics, gave several players their debuts – Sagnan, Abdoulaye Diaby and Daouda Guindo, who looked like the leftback they have been lacking for some time now.
It was a good all-round performance by Mali against Mauritania, who reached the knockout rounds of the recent AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.
The Super Eagles also won their first friendly after they edged past arch-rivals Ghana 2-1 Friday.
Tuesday’s clash between West African foes Nigeria and Mali will kick off at 9pm.
