Kanoute set for Mali in African Nations Cup

Mali coach Henri Stambouli claims Tottenham striker Freddie Kanoute is almost certain to play for his side at the African Nations Cup next month.

Kanoute was born in France but qualifies to play for the west African country through his parents.

The 26-year-old was named in the Mali squad for the tournament in Tunisia but there was some doubt over whether Kanoute – who played for France Under-21s - could switch nationality under new FIFA rules.

However Stambouli is confident, making his claims to Malian reporters ahead of tonight’s friendly against Benin in the capital Bamako – formerly Timbuktu.

“It is 95% certain that Kanoute will play at the Nations Cup finals,” he is reported as saying on the BBC Sport website.

“There are just a few things left to sort out. I am positive he will make a massive impact on our team.”

Under a new FIFA ruling which will come into force on January, in order to change allegiances from France to Mali, Kanoute must have sent a “written and substantiated request to the FIFA general secretariat” for approval by the players’ status committee.