City striker Mamady Sidibe has jetted off to Africa in a bid to secure his country's spot in the African Cup of Nations.

Sidibe will arrive in Mali today to join up with the rest of his team-mates before flying to Togo for the tough game with the 2006 World Cup finalists at the end of the week.

Mali are currently top of Group 9 ahead of their opponents on goal difference, and a win for the Eagles will see Sidibe and co join the likes of the Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Senegal at the Ghana-based tournament in January.

"Its a really important game for my country," Mama told Stoke City World.

"Im going Monday morning to Mali and were travelling on Thursday to Togo.

"If we win that game we're going to the African Nations Cup and its really important."

A draw could be enough, however, if Benin fail to win in Sierra Leone.

If Mali do qualify, the Potters are set to be without his services for a three week spell during January and February.

Meanwhile, Ricardo Fuller and Demar Phillips are in Jamaica's squad for their friendly with Ghana in Accra next Wednesday.