Mali: Ange Martial Tia's XXL debut with the Eagles

29.09.26 FT AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Liberia

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Mali

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He is one of the 04 new faces called up by Anthony Da Silva for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, and everyone is already talking about him. At 19, Ange Martial Tia has made a stunning start with the Mali Eagles.

A flying start

Ange Martial Tia has adapted remarkably quickly. For his first start on September 25, he already found the back of the net against Cape Verde and helped secure the comprehensive 3-1 win for his side. Same again four days later. On September 29, he scored his second goal for the national team and single-handedly secured Mali's victory over Liberia (1-0). Two matches, two goals—the tone has been set.

So who is Ange Martial Tia?

While the general public is only discovering him now, his name has already been circulating around Reims for several months. Trained at the Afrique Football Élite academy, Ange Martial Tia joined the Stade de Reims Pro 2 team in February 2025 before bursting onto everyone's radar. Despite the club's relegation to Ligue 2, he established himself as an undisputed starter, making 31 appearances in 2026 after five initial appearances the previous season in Ligue 1.

Under contract until 2030, he already has 11 caps for the U17 Little Eagles and 3 for the U23s. This season, his record stands at 7 appearances and 1 goal before his call-up to the Mali Eagles. A genuine star at 19, he could well become one of the attractions of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Nafongo TRAORE |

News Editorfr, ar, en

Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.

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Liberia

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AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations