Mali national football team set for fresh start with new coach

The Mali national football team is entering a new chapter as the Mali Football Federation has confirmed the departure of head coach Tom Saintfiet. The Belgian tactician, who took charge in August 2024, led the team to the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), showcasing a disciplined and defensive style of play. Despite securing three draws in the group stage, Mali advanced to the knockout rounds with a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Tunisia, before falling 0-1 to Senegal.

The separation between Saintfiet and the federation appears to be amicable. Official statements from both parties suggest that any financial disputes have been resolved, as evidenced by the coach’s gracious public acknowledgment of federation president Mahazou Baba Cisset.

Search for African coach underway to lead the Aigles du Mali

The decision to part ways with Saintfiet was not unexpected, as federation president Baba Cisset had previously indicated his intention to appoint a new head coach. The criteria set by the federation specify a preference for an African coach with prior experience in leading a team to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. This narrows the potential candidates to a select group, including names such as Aliou Cissé (Senegal), Djamel Belmadi (Algeria), and Walid Regragui (Morocco).

The federation’s search for a new leader is underway, with the phone lines of these top coaches possibly ringing soon.