Anthony Da Silva: Mali coach targets historic Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup breakthrough

Anthony Da Silva has made an encouraging start as Mali head coach, with two wins in their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers followed by a 1-1 draw against Morocco in a friendly.

Appointed in June, Da Silva oversaw his first matches in September as the Eagles began their qualifying campaign with a 3-1 victory over World Cup participants Cape Verde in Bamako. Mali then secured a 1-0 win away to Liberia before holding Morocco, widely regarded as one of Africa’s strongest sides, on home soil.

The performances have pleased Da Silva as much as the results. Mali caused Morocco significant problems, particularly after half-time, and earned praise from Mohamed Ouahbi, the Atlas Lions’ head coach.

Ouahbi described Mali as “a very good team” and said they “made things difficult for us”. His assessment was appreciated by Da Silva, although the Mali coach said his main focus was the progress being made by his own players and the development of his tactical project.

There is still considerable work to do, but Da Silva believes the current generation can take Mali to a new level. The country have never won the Africa Cup of Nations and have yet to qualify for a World Cup – two milestones the coach wants his team to achieve.

He uses the possibility of making history as a source of motivation during Mali’s training camps, encouraging the squad to recognise the opportunity available to them.

One of the other notable positives from the latest international window was the emergence of Ange-Martial Tia. The 19-year-old Stade de Reims player made an immediate impact on his first appearances for Mali, scoring twice and adding greater directness to the attack.

Da Silva took the decision to introduce Tia before handing him a starting place, and has already been impressed by his potential. The midfielder’s progress, however, has temporarily been interrupted by injury.

Tia has been ruled out of Mali’s two matches against Rwanda on 13 and 17 November, which form part of the third and fourth rounds of the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers. His absence has not altered Da Silva’s plans for the player, who won a bronze medal with France at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

The coach’s first international window has therefore provided promising results, an emerging footballing identity and an opportunity to bring young talent into the squad. Da Silva remains measured after those opening fixtures, but his ambitions extend beyond the immediate matches.

He wants to guide Mali towards the top of African football and give this generation a distinctive place in the country’s history. The next test of that project will come against Rwanda.

Anthony Da Silva’s comments were collected by Alexis Fonseca for Afrik-Foot.