Saintfiet: “Mali Ready to Create Their AFCON Miracle”

Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has set a bold tone ahead of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, declaring that the Eagles have the quality, balance, and belief to go deep into the tournament — and perhaps, make history.

Drawn into a challenging Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Zambia, and the Comoros, the Belgian tactician remains unfazed. “We fear no one, though we respect everyone,” Saintfiet told CAFOnline. “Our ambition is to stay in this competition until the very end.”

Under Saintfiet, Mali have been one of Africa’s most consistent sides — eight wins, three draws, and just one defeat in 12 competitive matches. His team boasts a formidable record, averaging 1.83 goals scored and conceding only 0.25 per game, signalling a blend of defensive discipline and attacking precision.

“Mali has the quality to stand among Africa’s elite nations,” Saintfiet said. “What we need now are results to confirm that.”

The 51-year-old Belgian, who guided The Gambia to two consecutive AFCON appearances, now aims to deliver what generations of Malian footballers have narrowly missed — the country’s first-ever continental title.

“For us, the minimum target is the semi-finals,” he added. “But once you reach that stage, you must dream bigger. The Malian people have waited too long for this joy — we want to give it to them.”

With a deep midfield led by Yves Bissouma, Amadou Haïdara, and Diadie Samassékou, and rising talents blending with experienced heads, Mali’s squad has both quality and cohesion. Saintfiet’s tactical flexibility and focus on structure have transformed the Eagles into one of the continent’s toughest opponents.

“We’re not just coming to participate,” he concluded. “We’re coming to create our own miracle.”

Group A Snapshot – Morocco 2025