Mali Coach Tom Saintfiet: "We want to play seven matches at AFCON 2025"

CAF

31-01-2025

Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has set his sights on a deep run at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, insisting that his team's ambition is to reach at least the semi-finals.
Speaking after the group stage draw in Rabat, the Belgian tactician expressed satisfaction with the Group A draw, which sees Mali face hosts Morocco, Zambia, and Comoros.
While acknowledging the challenge ahead, Saintfiet remains confident that the Eagles can compete at the highest level.
Mali, who will be making their 14th AFCON appearance, were drawn in a group that features Morocco, a team that made history as the first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022, along with Zambia, the 2012 champions, and Comoros, a rising force in African football.
Despite the competition, Saintfiet is optimistic about his team's chances.
'I think we can be happy with the draw. Being in a group with Morocco, Comoros, and Zambia gives us opportunities,' he said.
Playing against the host nation will be a major challenge, but for the former Gambia coach, it is also an exciting prospect.
"Facing Morocco in Morocco is a big occasion. Every player and coach dreams of playing such a match. It will be very competitive, and we are looking forward to it," he added.
While Saintfiet exudes confidence, he remains cautious, acknowledging the unpredictability of African football.
'All the teams at this AFCON are strong. There are no easy matches in African football anymore. We've seen surprises in recent editions, with teams like Madagascar, Gambia, Comoros, Mauritania, and Namibia proving their worth,' he explained.
For Mali, who have yet to win an AFCON title, the goal is clear: break into the final for the first time since 1972.
Saintfiet made his ambitions clear—Mali is not just looking to participate; they are aiming for a deep run in the tournament.
'We want to stay in this tournament until the end. That means playing seven matches, which means reaching at least the semi-finals," he stated.
He is also aware of the intense competition, highlighting the presence of African heavyweights such as Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Senegal, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, and Nigeria, along with other strong teams like Burkina Faso, DR Congo, and South Africa.
'There are at least 10 to 12 teams that believe they can reach the final. We know Morocco are the favourites, but we also have teams like Algeria, Senegal, and Nigeria who are very strong,' he noted.
Saintfiet stressed that proper preparation will be crucial for Mali's chances, calling for commitment from players, the coaching staff, the football federation, and the government.
'The players must stay focused, and they must be well-prepared by us as coaches, the federation, and the government to ensure we are ready for these matches,' he concluded.
Saintfiet, who led Gambia to a historic quarter-final finish at AFCON 2021, is now tasked with guiding Mali to a new milestone. The Eagles have reached the semi-finals four times (2002, 2004, 2012, and 2013) but are still chasing their first-ever AFCON trophy.
With a solid squad and a determined coach, Mali will be looking to make history in Morocco.