Why Kamory Doumbia is Mali’s ‘X-factor’ in a talent-rich midfield | OneFootball

Mali, long admired for its midfielders, head into Group A at the Africa Cup of Nations from 21 December to 18 January seeking sharper finishing. Quarter-finalists last time, they are looking to Kamory Doumbia to extend a lineage once embodied by Seydou Keita.

According to L'Équipe, U23 coach Fousseni Diawara has flagged Mamadou Sangaré, the 23-year-old Lens man, emerging alongside Yves Bissouma, Mohamed Camara, Doumbia and Amadou Haïdara. A Yeelen Academy product, he has adapted quickly to Ligue 1 and, in Diawara’s view, now needs to be decisive for the national side.

Diawara cites a Malian upbringing in tight spaces that breeds retention, creativity and rapid recovery. He says that culture must be matched with verticality, urging attackers to run into space rather than wait to feet.

Alongside the close-quarters poise of Mahamadou “Djila” Diarra, Keita set the standard by marrying possession, risk and end product. He remains Mali’s record scorer with 25 in 102 and could operate as a six, eight or 10.

Diawara views Doumbia as the potential X-factor, a player who disrupts lines and scores for Brest. He has four Ligue 1 goals this season, after six last term including four against Lorient on 20 December 2023. With a less creative, more ball-winning midfield built on Lassana Coulibaly’s work rate and lacking a 10 like Adama Noss Traoré, Doumbia could fill that role at 22, already on 14 goals in 26 caps.

Source: L'Équipe