Yves Bissouma produced a strong performance in Mali’s win over Mozambique
Mali made it three wins from five in their FIFA World Cup African qualifiers group on Friday evening, beating Mozambique 1-0 at the Estadio do Zimpeto.
Kamory Doumbia’s goal in the 19th minute turned out to be the difference between both teams in the end. It was Tottenham Hotspur star Yves Bissouma who provided the assist for Doumbia’s winner for Mali.
Yves Bissouma has been fantastic for his national team in recent games and deserved to keep his place in the team on Friday. Starting in an advanced No.10 role in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the 28-year-old acted as the glue for the midfielders and the forwards.
He played a pivotal role in the game’s only goal; a neat interplay between Bissouma and Doumbia opened up the Mozambique defence before the latter slotted home past goalkeeper Ernani from just outside the box which would have delighted the Mali coach Tom Saintfiet.
The Spurs star played the entire 90 minutes against Mozambique at the Estadio do Zimpeto. He was a constant creative outlet for the visitors as the midfielders linked up play well, picked up intelligent spaces and kept the game ticking.
Bissouma showed plenty of quality on the ball, completing 39 of his 45 passes with a healthy accuracy of 87 per cent. He completed 1 of 1 long ball, made four successful dribbles of seven, and won eight of 15 ground duels. In addition, the African ace made one clearance, one interception and blocked two shots, demonstrating his work rate and ability to regain possession. (Stats courtesy: SofaScore)
Spurs have endured a highly inconsistent start to the season, mixing fantastic performances and results with lowly defeats like the one against Ipswich Town before the international break. Bissouma has been relatively consistent with his performances, flourishing under Ange Postecoglou, whose aggressive and pressing style has enhanced the Malian’s technical abilities in the midfield three.
The Ivory-Coast-born talent has added more contributions to his game this campaign—as evidenced by two goals in eight Premier League appearances—with the season-long consistency as the only hurdle remaining to cross.
Tottenham face crucial fixtures after the international break starting with a daunting away trip to Manchester City in the Premier League. Bissouma will be vital in maintaining control against Man City, especially if the seven-game domestic ban on Rodrigo Bentancur for his remarks on Son Heung-min becomes official.
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It is a matter of not if but when Bentancur receives a hefty suspension from the FA and, in the Uruguayan’s absence, Bissouma must step up as one of the experienced members of Big Ange’s squad and prove his worth.
