Football: Diawara, Song, Daf ... who to lead Mali?

Fousseni Diawara, the hot track
Former international defender from Mali, who notably played for Saint-Étienne and Ajaccio, Fousseni Diawara has publicly confirmed his candidacy. The former deputy and manager of the Aigles believes he now has the necessary experience to take control of the national team.

 «Yes, I am a candidate. My application will be submitted in the coming days at the headquarters of the Malian Football Federation," 

he said on the program Talents d'Afrique on Canal+ Sport Afrique. At 45, the player who knows the Eagles' environment perfectly appears as one of the big favorites according to several observers of Malian football.

His profile is seduced by his proximity to the national team, his knowledge of the players and his mastery of the realities of Malian football. In a context where FEMAFOOT is looking for a project capable of reviving a team that is losing momentum despite its enormous potential, Diawara embodies an option for continuity with a local touch.

Rigobert Song wants to bounce back
Among the candidates mentioned is also that of Rigobert Song. According to several Malian media, the former captain of the Indomitable Lions would be interested in the position. Without a club since his departure from the Cameroonian selection, the 48-year-old technician would like to find a bench in order to restart his career as a coach.

Having played for the A', U23 and then senior teams in Cameroon, Rigobert Song already has experience at the very top African level. Appointed coach of Cameroon in 2022 under the leadership of Samuel Eto'o, he notably qualified the Indomitable Lions for the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 AFCON. His continental aura and his experience of African football are important assets. But its passage contrasted with Cameroon could also raise questions among Malian decision-makers.

Oumar Daf and Amara Traoré, the Senegalese tracks
Senegal could also be represented in this race as the head coach of the Aigles. Two Senegalese technicians are among the profiles mentioned: Omar Daf and Amara Traoré. Free since his departure from Amiens last March, Omar Daf has the ambition to take over a national team. A former Senegalese international (55 caps), he already has solid experience on the bench in France with Sochaux, Dijon and Amiens. His time on the staff of Aliou Cissé between 2016 and 2017 with Senegal could also play in his favor.

Amara Traoré has a more experienced profile on the African scene. Former coach of Senegal between 2009 and 2012, he remains recognized for his knowledge of continental football. Free since leaving Linguère as technical director, he could represent a credible option for a federation looking for a coach familiar with African competitions.

Ibenge, Mark Wotte, and Baye Bah are also mentioned
The list of contenders does not stop there. The name of the Congolese Florent Ibenge also comes back insistently. Finalist of the 2015 AFCON with the DRC and renowned for his ability to build competitive teams, he has a strong reputation on the continent.

The Dutch technician Mark Wotte is also said to have officially submitted his application. Known for his expertise in youth development and technical structuring, the former technical director hopes to convince FEMAFOOT thanks to his international experience.

Finally, the Malian Baye Bah is also one of the profiles mentioned in the local press.

With this multitude of applications, FEMAFOOT will now have to decide between local continuity, continental experience and reconstruction project. An important decision for a talented Malian selection, but still in search of a real course to reach a new level on the African scene.