Mali names final squad for 2025 U17 World Cup in Qatar

The Malian Football Federation has announced its final 21-man squad for the upcoming 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup, set to be staged in Qatar from 3 to 27 November.

Head coach Adama Diefla Diallo confirmed the list on Friday, 31 October, featuring a blend of domestic-based talents drawn from academies and clubs across Mali and beyond.

The squad will represent one of Africa’s most consistent youth football nations, aiming to make a strong impression on the global stage once again.

Goalkeepers
Lamine Sinaba (Académie Cherifla), Mamadou Souleymane Sacko (ABM Foot), and Cheick Oumar Diarra (FC Diarra) have been entrusted with guarding the posts.

All three are promising shot-stoppers who have impressed in domestic competitions.

Defenders
The defensive unit includes Mahamadou Konaté (FC Diarra), Tiemoko Berthe (Stars of Mandé), Aboubacar Siriki Camara-Afe, Souleymane Doumbia (Derby Académie), Mohamed Traoré (Bomissala Academy), Samba Konaré (Stade Malien), and Lamine Sidiki Keita (AFBD Sikasso). Diallo’s backline features players known for both physicality and tactical awareness, providing depth across all positions.

Midfielders
In midfield, Ibrahim Diakité (JMG Academy), Issa Koné (Africa Foot), Modibo N’Tio Coulibaly (Kingui FC), Seydou Dembele (JMG Academy), and Mahamadou Traoré (Players Dreams) will form the creative core.

The JMG Academy duo, Diakité and Dembele, are expected to play pivotal roles in linking defence and attack.

Forwards
The attack will be spearheaded by Soumaila Fane (AFBD Sikasso), Mohamed Dhiarra (Djoliba AC), Zoumana Ballo (Yeelen Olympique), Famory Sangaré (Racing Club Argenteuil), Salif Abdoulaye Traoré (AFBD Sikasso), and N’Djicoura Raymond Bomba (CSB).

The frontline is rich in pace and flair, giving Mali multiple attacking options.

The selection reflects Mali’s continued investment in youth football, with several players emerging from local academies that have been instrumental in developing national team talent over the years.

Coach Adama Diefla Diallo is expected to hold a short training camp before the team departs for Qatar, where they will face some of the world’s strongest youth sides.

Mali’s U17s have built a strong reputation in recent tournaments, known for their technical ability, teamwork, and resilience.

As preparations intensify, the squad will be looking to emulate the success of previous Malian youth generations who have reached the latter stages of the competition.

For these young players, Qatar 2025 presents both a challenge and an opportunity — a global stage to showcase the next wave of Malian football talent.