Saintfiet confident in his team as Mali seek first ever African victory dance

Mali’s national team head coach Tom Saintfiet has expressed confidence that his team has what it takes to finally go for glory at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco, 2025.

Despite glowing in massive talent, Mali is yet to clinch the AFCON trophy and Saintfiet believes they have a chance to take a stab at history on Moroccan soil this year.

The Belgian tactician, formerly the head coach of Gambia’s national team, says that Les Aigles are ready to approach this year’s competition with seriousness and ambition.

The tactician spoke at length to CAFOnline.com on his team’s expectations. He has also expressed massive satisfaction with the quality of the infrastructure, stadiums, hotels, and the overall organization of the tournament in Morocco.

The coach also addressed the challenge he expects in Group A. Mali has been drawn in a tough pool that also has hosts Morocco, Zambia, and Comoros. 

How have things been going in Morocco since your arrival for the TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025?

Everything has been going very well. We know that Morocco has excellent infrastructure and is a very well-organized country when it comes to football. The stadiums are magnificent and the training facilities are of the highest standard. We have trained at a very well-equipped complex, and we hope to enjoy some support from the fans.

We are staying at a very good hotel in Casablanca, which comes as no surprise. Morocco is a large, well-structured country with good roads, modern airports, and outstanding sports facilities. All of this contributes to optimal preparation.

Have you prepared well for this competition, and are you ready in all aspects?

Unfortunately, our preparation has been affected by recent changes. We were unable to organize a full training camp or play friendly matches, which means our preparation has not been ideal. That is regrettable.

However, I have complete confidence in my team. We have been working together for fifteen months and have achieved good results. I know my players very well and have absolute trust in them and my staff. We will be ready for this competition.

How do you assess Mali’s chances in Group A alongside Morocco, Zambia, and Comoros?

Our objective is to qualify for the knockout phase while fully respecting all our opponents. This could be described as a “group of death,” as all four teams are capable of progressing.

Comoros are a very good side; they defeated Tunisia, Gambia, and Madagascar during qualification. Zambia is a major force in African football, and Morocco are the clear favorites. All four teams have a chance, but we are here to go far. There is no question of believing qualification is impossible. 

We must stay focused and take the competition one match at a time. No game will be easy, but I have complete faith in my team. We will reach the knockout stage, 100 percent.

This is your third consecutive participation at the TotalEnergies AFCON. What are your thoughts on the competition and its level?

I had wonderful experiences at the editions in Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire, and I hope this one will be just as positive. It is a major competition and a tremendous honor to take part in the biggest event in African football.

In my view, it is one of the greatest tournaments in the world. Each country has its own identity, culture, and context. I have excellent memories of previous editions and great respect for every host country. Each AFCON is unique, well organized, and exciting.

What distinguishes the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations from other competitions?

The best players in the world are here. Africa has some of the finest footballers on the planet, and all major European teams rely heavily on African players. Today, the continent’s biggest stars are present at AFCON.

It is a true celebration with fans, colors, music, and incredible passion. Africa is a football continent, and the AFCON embodies the richness and diversity of African football. For me, it is one of the best competitions in the world.

Who do you see as the favorite for the title?

All 24 teams dream of winning the trophy. There are many high-quality teams, although perhaps only a dozen has a realistic chance. Mali is among the teams capable of going far if everything goes well.

The main favorite remains Morocco. They are playing at home, in ideal conditions, with strong fan support. After finishing fourth at the World Cup in Qatar, Moroccan football has made significant progress. Their U-20 team are world champions, their organization is solid, their infrastructure is excellent, and the individual quality of their players is very high.

Morocco are undoubtedly the leading favorites, even though football does not always reward the favorite. North African teams are very strong, as we saw in Qatar, and countries like Senegal and Nigeria are also serious contenders. But in my opinion, Morocco remain the main challenger for the title.

Mali has never won the AFCON despite often producing strong performances. How do you explain this?

Mali have always had talented players and big ambitions. They have reached the semi-finals and even a final, which are already significant achievements.

We will not talk too much. We will work hard and see if that is enough to make history. I have complete confidence in my team. We have a very good squad, with a balance of young talent and experienced, technically gifted, and physically strong players.

The technical staff is competent in all areas, with support from the government and the Malian Football Federation. God willing, this campaign will be another success.