The Mali under-17 national football team has kicked off their preparation for the upcoming CAN U17 2026 in Morocco with a narrow 0-1 loss to Uganda in a friendly match. Under the guidance of head coach Demba Mamadou Traoré, the young Mali side showed promising moments but struggled to convert chances, leaving room for improvement before the tournament begins.
Coach Traoré and his staff are now focusing on refining key aspects of the team’s game, including offensive efficiency, quick transitions, set-piece execution, and team chemistry. With the internal competition still fierce, every training session is crucial for finalizing tactical decisions and providing young talents with valuable playing time as they aim to secure their spots in the squad for CAN U17 2026.
The Mali U17s will face Ghana in their next preparatory fixture on Saturday, May 9, 2026, aiming to bounce back and build momentum ahead of the continental showdown in Morocco.
