Florent Ibenge in talks with Mali
Following the sacking of Eric Chelle, the Malian Football Federation has opened negotiations with Florent Ibenge.
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Tipped to take charge on an interim basis, Aliou Badra Diallo, the former assistant to Eric Chelle, is now not expected to be in the dugout as head coach for the Eagles' next matches. Despite his qualities, the man nicknamed Conty is not the preferred option of several Femafoot officials, who want to sign another coach.
Among the names put forward, one man has particularly caught the federation's eye: Florent Ibenge. Well known across the continent, the Congolese coach is currently at Al Hilal, one of Sudan's giants. Deprived of a domestic league because of the political situation, Ibenge has nonetheless delivered the target set by his bosses: qualification for the group stage of the African Champions League.
Still under contract with Al Hilal
Based in Tanzania with his team, the former DR Congo national team coach has been listening to offers for some time, notably from national teams. After talks fell through with Uganda and Tanzania, he is now in discussions with Femafoot, according to Sport News Africa. A meeting with his representative has even been set for early in the week.
It remains to be seen whether Florent Ibenge will be able to leave his Al Hilal contract easily, as the Malian Football Federation cannot afford to pay compensation in return.