 | Nickname: The Eagles Coach: Henri Stambouli Captain: Mahamadou Diarra Cup record: Runners-up 1972; Qualified four times |
Having shown in recent years that they have the quality to contend with the best in Africa, Mali travel to Tunisia with a genuine outside chance of snatching the big prize. Indeed, the Malians will have happy memories of Tunisia. Ten years ago, they beat the hosts in the opening game, beginning a run which took them to the semi-finals.
This team has developed since the players were first brought together at under-17 level in Nigeria in 1999.
The stars of that side, Adama Coulibaly, Seydou Keita and Mahamadou Diarra, are now the finished article, having added experience and maturity to their abundant skill.
Did you know? Mali is one of the poorest countries in the world, with 65% of its land area desert or semi-desert.
Coach
 Henri Stambouli's future rests on Tunisia 2004 |
Henri Stambouli, who signed a short-term contract to coach the Eagles in 2003, knows that any long-term deal depends almost entirely on his team's results in Tunisia. A former goalkeeper, the Frenchman was the assistant coach of the Marseille team that won the 1993 European Cup.
He also had a short spell with Guinea but left in protest over the working conditions in Conakry.
Key players
Mali's problems in front of goal are well-documented but the last-minute addition of Freddie Kanoute may rectify that weakness.
French-born Kanoute was given the green light to play for Mali by Fifa, and the big man's power and eye for goal are sure to cause problems for opposing defenders.
Captain Mahamadou Diarra is a competitive and versatile midfielder blessed with the ability to settle a game with a flick of his foot.
 Mahamadou Diarra's contribution will be vital |
In 2002, many pundits felt he was one of the stars of the tournament. He has established himself as a key player at French champions Lyon. The 22-year-old is unproven as a captain, however, and inspiring his team-mates may prove to be his greatest challenge in Tunisia.
Seydou Keita has a fine pedigree, having been voted the top player at the under-20 World Cup in Nigeria in 1999.
Since then, the fluid midfielder has tightened the tap on his talent, releasing it only in drips. At his best though, the France-based star has the quality to inspire the Eagles to new heights.
Verdict
Mali are credible challengers. There is, indeed, a new sense of optimism in Malian football, especially after a proud third-place finish in the tournament they hosted two years ago.
Their regional rivalry with Senegal means they will relish the opportunity to prove themselves against their more illustrious neighbours.
Mali might be a small and desperately poor country, but when it comes to football, they are not overawed by any opposition.
MMIX
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