Mali's Sidi Keita out of Angola

Mali's Sidi Yaya Keita has been ruled out of the Africa Cup of Nations

A knee injury has ruled Mali's Sidi Yaya Keita out of January's Africa Cup of Nations in Angola.

Keita, who plays for Spanish club Xerez, is replaced by Lens midfielder Samba Sow in Mali's preliminary squad.

The Eagles play in a four-team tournament in Qatar starting on 27 December along with the hosts, Iran and World Cup bound North Korea.

Their final warm-up game before the Nations Cup is against African Champions Egypt on 4 January in Dubai.

Mali then play in the opening game of the Nations Cup against hosts Angola on 10 January before their other Group A games against Algeria and Malawi.