Olympics preparation: Ibrahima Cissé called up for two friendlies

Ibrahima Cissé secured qualification for the Olympic football tournament with his nation thanks to their third-placed finish in the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations last summer. Mali are set to play two friendlies against Uzbekistan in order to prepare for the major sporting event.

Internationals

The two games will be played on Friday (7/6) and Monday (10/6). Uzbekistan also qualified for the Olympics thanks to their second-placed finish at the U23 Asia Cup.

Alongside Cissé, two other Royal Blues are on international duty following the season’s conclusion. Darko Churlinov, who returned to Schalke on loan in the second half of the season, is in action with North Macedonia against Croatia on Monday (3/6). His side will then face off against the Czech Republic a week later (10/6).

Blendi Idrizi has also been called up again. The midfielder, whose contract with Schalke ends in a few weeks, will be in action for Kosovo in a friendly against Norway on Wednesday (5/6).

An overview of the games:

Ibrahima Cissé
U-23 friendlies
Uzbekistan – Mali, 7/6, 14:00 CEST, Tashkent
Uzbekistan – Mali, 10/6, 14:00 CEST, Tashkent

Darko Churlinov
Friendlies
Croatia – North Macedonia, 3/6, 19:00 CEST, Rijeka
Czech Republic – North Macedonia, 10/6, 18:00 CEST, Hradec Kralove

Blendi Idrizi
Friendly
Norway – Kosovo, 5/6, 19:00 CEST, Oslo

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