AFCON 2025 - Mali: Tom Saintfiet, the miracle-worker of the Eagles?

The swarm of Eagles has a leader at its head: Tom Saintfiet. The 52-year-old technician will take Mali to the AFCON 2025 in Morocco, with the ambition of doing better than during the previous two editions, with eliminations in the last 20 minutes. Mali, who played only one final (1972), wishes to allow the Malians to create sensation.

It must be said that Tom Saintfiet is considered one of the best coaches on the continent. He placed in the top 5 votes for the title of best coach of the year in 2022 and 2023. Since his arrival at the head of Mali, he has directed 13 matches with an excellent record of 8 wins, 4 draws and 1 defeat. Suffice to say that he arrives with achievements and the possibility of doing something. Even if the non-qualification of Mali for the 2026 World Cup seems like an oil stain. But his recent past can allow him to put everyone in his pocket.

A nice first attempt with Gambia

Before being appointed coach of Mali, Tom Saintfiet led Gambia between 2018 and 2024. It was moreover under his magisterium that the Scorpions were the most prickly. While the Gambians had not won a match for 5 years, he qualified the team for the 2021 and 2023 FCON, the first two qualifiers in the country’s history.

At the AFCON 2021, played in Cameroon, Gambia achieves the feat of qualifying for the quarter-finals. Already, in the first round, Tom Saintfiet’s men finished 2nd in group F with 7 points, equal to leader Mali. The Gambia even manages to beat Tunisia in pool play (1-0). In the eighth, during the derby against Guinea, Saintfiet and his team win 1-0 before falling 0-2 to Cameroon. In 2023, the exploit is not reissued with a first round elimination. However, Saintfiet has already won hearts, and Mali entrusts him with their team in August 2024.

Objective: to create a sensation

Tom Saintfiet has therefore already achieved feats in the competition. So, the 2025 edition can be a great opportunity to get everyone to agree. Especially since, from the first round, Mali will be challenged since the Eagles are in group A with Morocco, Zambia and the Comoros. A fairly strong group, nevertheless, the goal is well beyond the groups.

“We need to be focused for every game, and I’m sure the atmosphere, infrastructure and pitch will be perfect. I see that the four teams in group A are able to qualify. For us, the goal is to reach the semi-final. I said it when I signed my contract. But it will surely not be easy,"

 Saintfiet said. Response in a few days to see if he will succeed in his mission.