‘Experienced’ gaffer Tom Saintfiet says he hopes to “write history” with Mali as he aims to guide the side to qualify for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
The Eagles, who are yet to feature at the global showpiece, sit fourth in Group I and will take on Comoros in Moronin on March 20 before another away trip to Central African Republic, all in the Matchday five and six games.
With only the group winners are assured of qualification, Saintfiet, speaking to BBC Afric,a said, “My dream and ambition as a coach is always to go to the World Cup,” the 51-year-old said.
“We are really not in a good position right now, but I still think we can do it.
“We are going to try to win all six games and see what it brings, and to qualify for the World Cup.”
A talented Mali side came close to qualifying for the 2022 World Cup but lost to Tunisia 1-0 on aggregate in a play-off.
That was the only goal the Eagles conceded over what was an eight-game campaign for the finals in Qatar.
Having replaced Eric Chelle, Saintfiet has already overseen an unbeaten qualifying campaign for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), which begins in December in Morocco.
Mali comfortably won their group ahead of Mozambique, dropping just four points across six games.
“When I came, the atmosphere was not so good because the World Cup qualifiers were a little bit [messed] up,” Saintfiet outlined.
“That’s not what Mali was looking for. So I had to change fortunes very quick.
“But after six matches with four wins and two draws, I’m quite positive that we are on the right track.”
