Lamine Sissoko hopes to step out of the giant African Nations Cup shadow being cast by teammate Frederic Kanoute when Mali take on Tunisia for a place in the final here on Wednesday.
The Valencia star, who only celebrated his 19th birthday on the eve of the tournament, scored in the opening win over Kenya but has since played a supporting role to the Kanoute bandwagon as the Tottenham man's four goals have propelled Mali into the semi-finals.
Like Kanoute, Sissoko is a new convert to the Mali cause having taken advantage of FIFA's new ruling to allow players to switch allegiance and despite giving up the chance to play for France, he has no regrets over his decision.
"Wearing the Mali shirt is a source of great pride for me, my family and for the people of Mali," said the 19-year-old. "It's true that I was born in France, but I have no regrets."
Sissoko, who lost his starting place in the quarter-final win over Guinea to Dramane Traore, said that opening his scoring account for his new team against Kenya had been a huge relief.
"To score that goal was very important. It eased a lot of pressure on me," said Sissoko.
"I think millions of people watched that match in Mali."
Despite playing in midfield for his Spanish club side, Sissoko said he always relishes the opportunity to go forward.
"At Valencia, I play a defensive midfield role. But before that I was always a number 10 and I have always kept my goal-scoring instincts."
Although still in his teens, Sissoko has had to grow up quickly finding himself at the centre of a messy transfer to Valencia from French club side Auxerre last year.
Auxerre, worried about the drain of top young French players out of the country, claimed the move had not been sanctioned by FIFA.
"I was surprised by the fuss over the affair," said Sissoko. "I had been at Auxerre since I was 13 and it went very well.
"But I knew I would never get the chance to play for the senior team and then I had contacts with Arsenal, Newcastle and Valencia. It was a sporting decision to leave."
His switch to Mali did not impress Valencia a great deal as they, like many European clubs, have had to carry on for up to five weeks without their African stars.
"Without a doubt, Valencia would have preferred that I play for France."