Latest news with #TomSaintfiet
CAF
16-03-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Mali go with tried and trusted for FIFA World Cup qualifiers
Mali have kept faith with the squad that saw them secure TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualification last November for this month's FIFA World Cup qualifiers against the Comoros Islands and the Central African Republic. Coach Tom Saintfiet has called up 26 players for the clashes against the Comoros on March 20 and the Central African Republic four days thereafter. Both Group I matches are being played in Morocco with Comoros hosting Malin in Berkane and the Central Africans hold their 'home' match in Casablanca. Mali trail joint group leaders Comoros and Ghana by four points with six matches to play. Saintfiet told a press conference he was looking to keep continuity in the squad although has brought in 26-year-old striker Mustapha Sangare from Levski Sofia in Bulgaria for his first call-up. Squad Goalkeepers: Djigui Diarra (Young Africans, Tanzania), Ismael Diawara (Sirius, Sweden), Youssouf Koita (Djoliba) Defenders: Amadou Dante (Arouca, Portugal), Abdoulaye Diaby (St Gallen, Switzerland), Salim Diakite (Palermo, Italy), Moussa Diarra (Deportivo Alaves, Spain), Fode Doucoure (Red Star, France), Issiar Drame (Estrela Amadora, Portugal), Mamadou Fofana (New England Revolution, USA), Cheick Oumar Konate (Clermont Foot, France), Sikou Niakate (Braga, Portugal) Midfielders: Yves Bissouma (Tootenham Hotspur, England), Mohamed Camara (Al Sadd, Qatar), Lassana Coulibaly (Lecce, Italy), Aliou Dieng (Al Kholood, Saudi Arabia), Mamadou Sangare (Rapid Vienna, Austria), Ibrahima Sissoko (VfL Bochum, Germany) Forwards: Mamadou Camara (Laval, France), Nene Dorgeles (Salzburg, Austria), Kamory Doumbia (Stade Brest, France), Sekou Koita (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Ibrahima Kone (Al Okhdood, Saudi Arabia), Youssoufou Niakite (Bani Yas, United Arab Emirates), Mustapha Sangare (Levski Sofia, Bulgaria), El Bilal Toure (VfB Stuttgart, Germany),
BBC News
14-03-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Saintfiet aims to 'write World Cup history' with Mali
Tom Saintfiet hopes to "write history" with Mali as he aims to revive the nation's hopes of reaching the 2026 Fifa World Eagles, who have never appeared at the tournament, are currently fourth in Group I, four points behind both leaders Comoros and second-placed Ghana after four rounds of the 10-game qualifying the group winners are assured of qualification but Saintfiet, who took charge last August, has an immediate chance to improve fortunes as his side take on Comoros in Moroni on 20 March before another away match four days later against a Central African Republic team now under the guidance of Cameroon legend Rigobert Song."My dream and ambition as a coach is always to go to the World Cup," the 51-year-old Belgian told BBC Sport Africa when discussing the six-team group that also includes Chad and Madagascar."We are really not in a good position right now, but I still think we can do it."We are going to try to win all six games and see what it brings, and to qualify for the World Cup." A talented Mali side came close to qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, but lost to Tunisia 1-0 on aggregate in a was the only goal the Eagles conceded over what was an eight-game campaign for the finals in replaced Eric Chelle, Saintfiet has already overseen an unbeaten qualifying campaign for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), which begins in December in comfortably won their group ahead of Mozambique, dropping just four points across six games."When I came the atmosphere was not so good, because the World Cup qualifiers were a little bit [messed] up," Saintfiet outlined."That's not what Mali was looking for. So I had to change fortunes very quick."But after six matches with four wins, two draws, I'm quite positive that we are on the right track." 'Quality players' in squad Mali were seconds away from reaching the semi-finals of the 2023 Afcon before conceding a late equaliser against tournament hosts Ivory Coast, who then scored again deep into extra time to eliminate their West African top talents such as Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma, RB Salzburg winger Nene Dorgeles and Auxerre striker Lassine Sinayoko at his disposal, Saintfiet says his main challenge is to build a cohesive starting XI."It's a big luxury to have so many quality players," said the man who led The Gambia to the quarter-finals of Afcon on the nation's debut in 2022."I have so much choice for all positions, so many alternatives."It's not selecting the best players, it's selecting the best team. That's now the task."We are going to try everything in the coming six qualifiers - two at home, four away - to write history."After this month's fixtures, the final four group games will be split across September and four best-ranked second-placed sides across all 10 groups will then enter play-offs which will provide one African team with a final chance to book a spot at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA via an intercontinental qualifier.
CAF
31-01-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Mali Coach Tom Saintfiet: "We want to play seven matches at AFCON 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.
