Mamadou Doumbia, Mali’s leading marksman at the ongoing U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria, has revealed he is relishing the opportunity of playing on the biggest continental stage and hopes the tournament can provide the desired opportunity for him and his teammates to make their big break into world football.
The 17-year-old is Les Aigles leading scorer at the tournament with a Man-of-the-Match award and two goals to his name, with his strikes against Burkina Faso and Cameroon in the group stages.
Doumbia, who has been nothing short of a talisman in Algeria with his skills and leadership, wishes to follow in the footsteps of renowned African stars that have gone through the U-17 AFCON development stage, like Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Chipolopolo of Zambia star Patson Daka.
“If a big European club gives me a chance, I will gladly take it and do everything possible to do better than the previous stars who have come through the U17 AFCON tournament,” the youngster said in an interview with CAF.
Although a traditional centre forward, Doumbia, who is left-footed, draws inspiration from seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi, as well as Algerian left-footed wizard Riyad Mahrez, as he begins to write his football story.
“I admire him [Mahrez] a lot because he is left footed just like me,” the Malian said. “Even though we have differences in physical size, I admire his technicality and how he plays.
With a crucial quarterfinal tie against Congo set for Thursday, May 11, in Annaba, Doumbia and Mali have a huge opportunity to book a spot in the semifinals and a qualification berth as one of Africa’s representatives at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The forward plans to maintain his eye-catching performances and goalscoring prowess as he looks to guide Mali to a record third title.
“I will do everything to score again and help the team do well. The main objective is for our country to do well,” Doumbia said. “Whether I score or not, as long as we win, that is the most important thing. I want to give my best.
“Congo has a very good team and we are going to prepare well for them. This will be like a final for us and we have to do everything to win. We have a very good team and we have confidence in our coach.
“My primary aim is to become an African champion with Mali and if I can, I would love to add individual accolades to it be it being the top scorer or best player,” he added.
The man nicknamed ‘Messi’ by his peers wishes he continues to churn out excellent performances as he is keen on making his family proud.
“My family has supported me from when I was young because they knew I had a passion for football. They have been behind me all this time and I want to make them proud,” he concluded.
Doumbia will do well to fulfill his promises as Mali and the Cubs of Congo battle it out at the 52,00-ccapacity May 19 Stadium, with the youngster hoping the ongoing tournament could act as the catalyst needed to kickstart his career dreams, which includes being a part of the Malian senior national team.
