Momo Sissoko backs Everton ace Abdoulaye Doucoure to lead Mali to Qatar 2022
Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure has pledged his allegiance to the Malian national team ahead of their 2022 World Cup qualifying playoff.
Mali have never been to the finals of a World Cup but they are just one two-legged tie against Tunisia away from breaking their duck and booking their place at Qatar 2022.
The 28-year-old has made the switch from France with a call-up with them looking unlikely given the unreal amount of talent the country has at its disposal.
Former Liverpool and Mali midfielder Momo Sissoko has backed the Everton star to be a shining light and lead his nation to their first-ever World Cup this week.
“I think he’s the top player now he’s joined the national team of Mali and I think it’s the best moment for him,” Sissoko told BBC Sport Africa.
“He will bring all the experience, he will bring all his assurance, he will bring lots of good things for this team, this young team.
“For me, Abdoulaye Doucoure is one of the top players for Mali right now. I hope he is going to help all of them to reach the World Cup.”
Do them proud
This will be Doucoure’s first game at the international level and he couldn’t have picked a more important game to turn up for.
The entire country of Mali will be watching with bated breath in the hope that their heroes can provide them with a moment they will never forget.
The less experienced players among that squad will be leaning on Doucoure to provide some much-needed quality and knowledge of the big occasion and he simply must perform.
He has all the ability to do just that and he could spearhead Mali to a glorious qualification but the real test will be of his mental strength.
Tunisia have all the experience of qualifiers and World Cups themselves so know how to manage a two-legged affair so the Evertonians has to stand up and be counted.
He will return to Merseyside a hero if he can help Mali over the line and to their first-ever World Cup, unquestionably.
In other Everton news, we think Frank Lampard should avoid signing this Goodison-linked “cry baby” after Paulo Di Canio’s comments.
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