Mali's Coach Targets Semi-Final in 2025 AFCON as Group Draw is Revealed

Tom Saintfiet, the head coach of Mali, wants his team to go far in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, aiming for at least a semi-final berth. After the group stage draw, Saintfiet said he was happy to be in Group A with the hosts, Morocco, Zambia, and Comoros since it gives his team chances to advance.

Mali, with 14 AFCON appearances, face a tough challenge in Morocco, the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists, and Zambia, the 2012 champions. However, Saintfiet is confident his team can compete at the highest level.

“We want to play seven matches, which means reaching the semi-finals or final,” Saintfiet said. "This draw gives us chances, and we are prepared for anyone."

Saintfiet maintains his optimism in the face of intense opposition from African powerhouses such as Senegal, Nigeria, Morocco, and Algeria. He underlined that in order to compete with the greatest, one must be well-prepared and focused. For the first time since 1972, Mali hopes to make it to the final.

The Belgian coach is now concentrating on leading Mali to greater heights after leading Gambia to a record quarterfinal finish in 2021. Mali has not yet won an AFCON championship, despite making it to the semi-finals four times. In Morocco, the Eagles are committed to changing that.