Saintfiet has high hopes for Mali

Tom Saintfiet has expressed a desire to go places with Mali as he prepares to kick off his tenure against Mozambique at the Stade du 26 Mars on Friday.

Kick-off is at 9pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

Saintfiet was appointed Eric Chelle's successor on 29 August after he resigned as head coach of the Philippines to return to Africa, where he had most recently taken Gambia to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Eagles made it to the quarterfinals under Chelle before they bowed out to hosts Ivory Coast following a 2-1 defeat, but the Ivorian-born tactician was sacked in June on the back of a poor start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

A 0-0 draw with Madagascar on 11 June had left Chelle's side fourth in Group I after four matches, four points adrift of Comoros (1st) and Ghana (2nd), having also been beaten 2-1 by the Black Stars five days earlier.

Saintfiet admitted he is taking a big hit financially by accepting the Mali job, but insists the opportunity to "write a beautiful story" with the West Africans goes far beyond money.

Mozambique participated at Afcon 2023 as well, although they failed to clear the first hurdle after finishing bottom of Group F with just two points.

The Mambas held pre-tournament favourites Egypt to a 2-2 draw, but they slumped to a 3-0 defeat against Cape Verde before another 2-2 stalemate with Ghana sent them packing.

Chiquinho Conde's side carried on their good form in qualifying for the 2026 Wold Cup after recording back-to-back wins against Somalia (2-1) and Guinea (1-0) in June to remain deadlocked on nine points with Group G leaders Algeria.

WHAT WAS SAID

Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet

"I accepted the Mali job because of the competitiveness of the national team. I am an athlete, I want to play great matches. I want to write a story with Mali, with the Malian people.

"In this country (Philippines), we do not have 20 good players, Mali have more than 100 good footballers. It is a dream to be at the head of a selection like Mali. Money does not make me run.

"I want to give happiness to the Malian people. With discipline and hard work I assure you that it is possible to write a beautiful story with Mali."

Mozambique head coach Chiquinho Conde

"We need to do our homework, work together, focus on our first game in September against Mali, work hard, and create synergies to have a good game.

"For our team, if we can't win, we must not lose - that's our motto. We must humbly respect our opponents and take it game by game."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mali: Lassine Sinayoko caught the eye at Afcon 2023 where he scored three goals in five appearances to help the Eagles advance to the quarterfinals.

The Auxerre winger had only returned to the international fold in September 2023 after being left out of the squad for 20 months, but he forced his way into the team after shining in the build-up to the tournament in Ivory Coast.

Mozambique - Witi produced some exciting displays on the flanks at Afcon 2023 and bagged the Mambas' first goal of the continental showpiece in the draw with Egypt.

The 28-year-old winger followed an increasing trend of Africans plying their trade in the Middle East when he joined UAE club Dibba Al-Hisn from Portugal's Nacional in July and featured in both 2026 Wold Cup qualifiers for his country the previous month.