Tom Saintfiet has transformed Mali’s World Cup qualifying campaign since taking charge in August 2024, and now the experienced Belgian coach has his sights set on a statement victory against Group I leaders Ghana in Accra on Monday.
The Eagles have remained unbeaten under Saintfiet’s stewardship, collecting valuable points against Comoros twice and Central African Republic to climb from the foot of the table to fourth place. However, they face their sternest test yet against the Black Stars, who sit atop Group I with 16 points from seven matches.
Mali currently occupy fourth position on 12 points after seven fixtures, trailing second-placed Comoros by three points and leaders Ghana by four. With only group winners guaranteed automatic qualification for the 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States, every point has become crucial in the race for Mali’s first-ever World Cup appearance.
Saintfiet, who has made a career of overachieving with African nations, hopes to “write history” with Mali by guiding them to their maiden World Cup finals. The 51-year-old Belgian brings considerable experience to the role, having previously managed six other African national teams including a memorable stint with The Gambia.
It was with The Gambia that Saintfiet truly made his mark on African football, leading the Scorpions to the quarter-finals of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations on their tournament debut – an achievement that established his reputation as a coach capable of extracting maximum potential from limited resources.
His extensive African portfolio also includes spells with Namibia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Malawi and Togo, as well as a brief tenure as Nigeria’s technical director. Mali represents his seventh African assignment, and arguably his most challenging yet.
The current Group I standings show Ghana firmly in control with 16 points, followed by Comoros on 15 points from eight matches. Madagascar sit third with 13 points from seven games, whilst Mali’s 12 points from seven fixtures keeps them in contention. Central African Republic languish on five points from eight matches, with already-eliminated Chad propping up the table with just one point from seven games.
Monday’s encounter in Accra presents Mali with an opportunity to close the gap on the qualification places and demonstrate that Saintfiet’s appointment has genuinely revitalised their World Cup ambitions.
