The 2022–23 Malian Première Division was the 56th season of the highest level of professional football in Mali. The championship was contested by 16 teams, starting in October 2022 and finishing in July 2023. Djoliba AC were the holders going into the season following their 23rd title in the 2021–22 season, but lost the title to AS Real Bamako, who won their 7th title.
Overview
Following the reduction of the Première Division from 20 clubs to 18 clubs in the 2021–22 season, there was a further reduction of two teams ahead of the 2022–23 season meaning that 16 clubs contested the championship. Binga FC and US Bougouni were promoted from the second tier, replacing the four relegated teams from the season before - CS Duguwolofila, US Bougouba, AS Olympique de Messira and AS Douanes de Sikasso. Teams played in a home-and-away round robin format.
The title race was largely contested by Djoliba AC and AS Real Bamako, who were tied at the top at the halfway point. The two pulled away further in the second half of the season, with AS Real finishing three points ahead of Djoliba after 30 games to claim the title. At the other end of the table, USC Kita survived a poor start that put them in the bottom two after the first 15 games, finishing 12th. Lafia Club de Bamako instead dropped into the relegation zone, joining Yeelen Olympique who only managed 12 points and ended 18 points away from safety. They will be replaced by US Bougouba and ATS Koro who won their respective Tournoi de Montée pools.[1]
Updated to match(es) played on 10 July 2023. Source: Soccerway Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal Difference (C) Champions; (Q) Qualified for the phase indicated; (R) Relegated Notes:
^Stade Malien qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup as the 2022-23 Malian Cup winner
