Every year, several players reveal themselves to the general public in Mali. Sport New Africa presents its top 6 players of the 2022-2023 season in Mali.
Most of them are young strikers and midfielders. They were unknown to the general public. This season, thanks to their performances for their respective clubs, they've come to the limelight
Cheick Keita - (Midfielder /AS Real de Bamako)
A product of the club's training center, he joined the Scorpions' squad under Nouhoum Diane. Cheick Keita made his mark in his first season. His performances throughout the season earned him a call-up to the junior national team. Captain of Mali's youth team, Cheick Keita suffered a disappointing penalty shoot-out loss to Gambia in Mauritania, but bounced back perfectly in the league. In a leadership role, Nouhoum Diane relied heavily on him to liven up his midfield. Keita was one of the architects of the title won by Nouhoum Diané's team 37 years later. He has been one of the most successful young players this season. Now it's up to him to prove himself next season, at Real or elsewhere. He also passed a test during the season at Lille.
Boubacar Diallo - (Midfielder/Djoliba AC)
This season, the general public also discovered young Boubacar Diallo.A quiet arrival for the Reds, Boubacar Diallo is an incredible recruit! Trained by the JMG Mali center, he is one of the most promising players in his position. His technical quality and vision of the game have enabled the runners-up to keep up the pressure on AS Real de Bamako. Able to play as a midfielder or a winger, Boubacar Diallo has also enjoyed a fine season in the Djoliba AC midfield. Here's a young player who could liven up the weekends of Mali's soccer fans for years to come. He is considered a rare talent with a bright future ahead of him.
Djegui Samassa - (Left-back, Binga FC)
While Binga FC, promoted this year, went through a complicated season, young Djegui proved to be a great satisfaction. Almost irreplaceable this season, he was the most-used player. Despite a complicated season, Binga FC, who were fighting for their survival, were able to count on a resplendent Djegui to keep them up.Born in 2006 and the author of several outstanding performances this season, this versatile player (1.80), whose potential seems immense, is considered to be Binga FC's player of the season
"With almost 28 matches under his belt, in addition to his appearances in the Mali Cup, he was the only one without a substitute throughout the season. He was really impressive," said Allaye Bocar, the club's general secretary, delighted with his player's performance at the end of the season.
Lassine Kouma - (Midfielder - striker /Stade Malien)
Les Blancs de Bamako's attack is not short of talent.Between Sada Diallo, Ahamadou Diarra, Mamaye Coulibaly and Frank Tiessé, it's hard to make a place for yourself when you're a young talent. Yet Lassine Kouma has managed to do just that. Prior to his Ligue 1 debut this season, the young striker had guided Stade Malien's youngsters to the Bamako League junior championship title. And that's just the beginning. While the Blancs de Bamako were struggling, the return to form of the Ivorian technician's men coincides with the Coupe du Mali final. Young Lassine was to splash the match with his talent. Provocative but above all dangerous, Lassine Kouma put the Niarela-based Eleven Createurs defence through its paces before scoring the only goal of the Mali Cup final. A success that opens the door to an African competition for Stade Malien next year. With his ability to play in a number of positions, he will need to be watched more closely next season, especially in the Confederation Cup. Despite Stade Malien's difficult season, Lassine Kouma is one of the rare satisfactions.
Banou Cissé - (Forward/Black Star)
A striker for the future. Already this year, he has had a fine campaign with Black Stars, scoring 11 league goals.A performance that earned him a call-up to Mali's U23 national team. The Malian striker was selected with the Espoirs during the qualifiers. His performances at the time could have opened the door to the senior team. He was also courted by Olympique Beija of Tunisia. With his goals, Banou carried his team.Much appreciated by the coach, who calls him his "petit ni" (his little one in French).Not sure he'll be staying with Black Star next season.
Ibrahim Gadiaga - (forward/ AS Bakaridjan)
AS Bakaridjan finished fourth this season, a place below the second place they occupied all year.But the individual who stood out up front was Brahim Gadiaga. He is the top scorer in the Malian championship. With 13 goals to his name for a Bakaridjan team that struggled in the middle of the season, the Bamako-born striker had an outstanding season in his first season in the elite. In addition to his 5 goals in the Malian Cup, no-one has scored more goals than him in Mali, with 18 to his name. A leading striker for one of the season's most attractive teams, Ibrahim Gadiaga has made a name for himself with two hat-tricks this season. These came against USC Kita on Matchday 10 and Yeelen Olympique on Matchday 29.
