Tough decision for Sako

Published Oct. 29, 2012 3:15 p.m. ET

foxsports

Wolves' Bakary Sako admits he faces a tough decision over whether or not to play in the African Nations Cup with Mali in the new year.

Sako, a summer signing from St Etienne, underlined his star quality yet again on Saturday as his well-taken strike - his fifth of the season - handed Wanderers the lead against Charlton before the hosts were eventually forced to settle for a point.

The Paris-born 24-year-old has proved to be the star find of manager Stale Solbakken's summer recruitment drive but Wolves could lose his services, along with that of Tongo Doumbia and Razak Boukari, for as long as a month between mid-January and mid-February.

Frenchman Sako has been asked to play for Mali and is eligible due to his parents' nationality but, having never featured at senior international level, he admits he is torn over who to represent.

Asked if he would be linking up with Mali, Sako told the Express & Star: "I don't know at the moment - it's a very difficult decision. They want me to go with them and we'll see about it in time. At the moment I'm not sure.

"I've played for France at Under-21 level but I've never played for Mali before, even though both my parents are from Mali. I speak Malian too but I'll wait to make my choice. I don't know if there's a deadline I have to decide by, but I don't know if I'm going to play for France or Mali."