Rangers midfielder Lassana Coulibaly impressed with Mali as he played a full 90 in their 1-0 win against Gabon.
Victory ensured that Les Aigles (The Eagles) qualify for next year’s African Cup of Nations. They done it with a game to spare.
The tournament, this time round held in Cameroon, is a big deal for African players. The “destroyer” will be aiming to play a key role for Mali at it.
But can qualification also boost the performances of a flailing Coulibaly at Rangers?
Lassana Coulibaly has been posted missing recently
The on-loan Angers midfielder was arguably the best of the summer signings at the beginning of the season.
The former SC Bastia player was a harrowing and athletic presence in midfield. He snapped into challenges. He played simple passes. Coulibaly was also good for a goal. The midfielder was a presence we haven’t had in years.
Since an injury sustained in the match with St. Mirren – where the big man was exceptional after we went down to 10 men – Coulibaly has really struggled to impact games the way he did before.
More than that, he’s sometimes looked like a passenger.
He looks off the pace and it was important Ryan Jack got recalled last week. After a solid performance by Jack, the Malian is also unlikely to be recalled to the starting line-up again this weekend.
But with qualification for the AFCON secured and a few weeks away from competitive action, it’s been the chance to reflect and take a breather from club football.
We’re entering a very busy schedule and we’ll need the big man fit and ready for it.
Let’s hope he can use this International success to reestablish himself in the Rangers side.
